Living in an increasingly digital world, restricted access to the internet presents both advantages and challenges. This is because, while on the one hand the internet is an essential tool for carrying out numerous tasks within companies, it can also be used indiscriminately and harm the smooth running of the activity . For this reason, internet access control becomes fundamental for modern businesses.
To better clarify this subject, we have prepared this material on internet access control and DNS filtering, used to increase the security and productivity of your company. In this article, you will discover the challenges of controlling internet access and the problems caused by wasted time in your company.
The challenge of controlling internet access in companies
Although essential, access control can be potentially complex within companies. Furthermore, there may be a certain resistance on the part of employees in addition to the need to find efficient tools that contribute to this process.
Faced with these challenges, it is important that managers analyze the company's needs and demands before implementing access control. Based on this information, it will be possible to adopt a tool compatible with the business needs and also favor the implementation process.
Brief explanation of the importance of access control
Controlling internet access within organizations is essential to ensure the efficient use of technological resources. Without adequate control, employees waste a lot of time on the internet with social networks and entertainment, instead of focusing on company activities. According to data from Jobera , 89% of employees admit to wasting at least 30 minutes a day on non-productive activities .
The result of this is the distraction of employees from their responsibilities, harming the company's goals. Efficient access control minimizes security risks and maintains employee productivity.
Furthermore, internet access control will also help the company to remain in compliance with current regulations and legislation, such as the General Data Protection Law . Legislation imposes legal requirements for the protection of sensitive information, guaranteeing the privacy of information holders.
Introduction to the concept of DNS filtering
DNS filtering is a tool that allows companies to control access to certain content on the internet, helping to block specific addresses. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to prevent access to malicious or potentially dangerous pages, in addition to blocking unproductive content for the company.
With this, it is possible to guarantee safer and more productive browsing, acting in a less invasive way than other control tools. For this reason, DNS filtering helps the company to monitor devices effectively and ensure greater day-to-day productivity.
What makes DNS filtering particularly more effective is that it acts at the first point of contact between the user's device and the internet, blocking directly from domain name systems (DNS) . In this case, the DNS server checks whether the website is allowed or blocked when the user tries to access a page.
The problem of wasted time
Companies face one of the main challenges: the loss of time during working hours. This is because, thinking logically, a pre-determined number of employees is necessary to carry out the activities that guarantee the company's progress, and when these tasks are no longer carried out or are carried out over a longer period of time, there is great harm to the results of business profitability.
The reality of restricted internet access
We know that the internet is an environment full of content and tools that can be used in different ways, whether to add more productivity or serve as a distraction during leisure moments. In this way, employees are tempted by unrestricted access to the internet due to the ease of accessing news, personal emails, social networks, streaming and entertainment.
In this sense, employees divert attention from the company's tasks, increasing failures and errors in execution. Therefore, there is a big problem regarding delivery within the established deadlines , caused by the constant distraction of the digital environment.
We know that the digital environment is designed to capture users' attention, using advanced algorithms to maintain engagement and ensure a constant flow of relevant and personalized content for each user. These characteristics mean that these pages contribute to a significant waste of time within the work environment , causing numerous problems for the company.
Statistics on time spent on non-work related websites
According to a survey carried out in 2023 by Teamtage , a company specializing in project management software, employees spend an average of around 21 hours a week using the internet for activities that are not related to work. Compared to a typical workday, this represents 48% of your available time wasted.
When it comes to social media, an employee can spend an average of 1.5 hours of their 8.5-hour working day using these platforms, spending 20% of their working time (research carried out in 2023 by Monitask , a company that provides monitoring and time tracking to increase productivity). For this reason, blocking certain resources is essential to guarantee the company's productivity and profitability.
In addition to social media, employees can also waste a lot of time on entertainment sites, streaming, online games and other content, consuming a large part of the working day.
Impacts on productivity and company results
All this wasted time that happens during the workday has a direct impact on employee productivity , and consequently, on the company's results. The drop in employee efficiency causes project delays, failure to meet demands and a significant reduction in the quality of results.
The drop in productivity of these employees can influence the organizational environment and team morale. Employees who avoid distractions may feel that the entire workload falls on them, while others do not fulfill their responsibilities adequately. Furthermore, those affected by reduced productivity may see their results suffer.
Causes of expressive behavior
Managers of companies in all segments know how the dispersion of employees can negatively impact the organization's results. Considering that employees are a company's most important assets, lack of motivation is a priority problem, making it necessary to adopt strategies that help keep the team engaged and productive .
Implementing access control in the workplace keeps employees focused and guarantees results without affecting the organizational climate. However, it is crucial to identify the causes of dispersal to combat them effectively.
Factors that lead employees to access websites outside the scope of work
There are numerous factors that can cause employees to access websites that are not related to their activity in the company. The main ones are the lack of engagement with tasks, the need for mental breaks, stress and even organizational culture.
This is because it is necessary for the company not only to cover productivity but also to encourage it, helping to identify and understand the causes that lead its employees to suffer drops in results and dissatisfaction at work . The lack of challenges or performing repetitive tasks is also a considerable factor, meaning employees need to look for alternatives to alleviate boredom during the workday.
The absence of a culture of responsibility and effective time management within the company also favors this behavior, making it necessary to adopt a more effective strategy to help employees understand the impact of indiscriminate internet use during working hours.
The influence of social networks and other entertainment sites
When it comes to dispersion in the workplace, social networks and entertainment pages are the main time thieves. These platforms have an interactive and very addictive nature, causing the user to lose track of time. Furthermore, the user receives frequent notifications of new interactions and content, which becomes a constant distraction.
Therefore, we need to understand that these platforms are designed to capture and retain users' attention , making it very difficult to establish control without blocking them. Likewise, streaming platforms, both video and music, also have a strong appeal to keep their users engaged, damaging productivity during working hours and causing a negative impact on the company's results.
DNS filtering an effective solution
DNS filtering is an internet access control that allows companies to establish continuous monitoring of content that can or cannot be accessed during working hours. With this block, it is possible to maintain employee engagement and avoid internet distractions, helping the company to achieve superior results.
What is DNS filtering
DNS filtering is an internet access control strategy that allows the company to block access to specific websites at the domain name system (DNS) level . With this blocking, when the user tries to access a website, an access request is sent to the DNS server , which determines whether or not it is possible to access it. During working hours, the organization will define rules that control which pages can and cannot be accessed.
The main advantage of this technology is that it acts at the fundamental level of internet browsing, intercepting access requests before the content is loaded. filtering effectively blocks malicious or inappropriate websites, increasing security and productivity by preventing unauthorized access to the internet.
Definition and basic functioning
As mentioned previously, DNS filtering intercepts domain name resolution requests and compares them against allow or block lists. If the site is on the block list, the request is denied and the user is redirected to a page informing about the block . Therefore, this approach is extremely efficient for companies, as it operates on the network without the need to install software on user devices.
Thus, DNS filtering also allows the company to block entire categories, bringing more assertive and efficient control. This way , it is possible to select whether to block social networks, online games or adult content , bringing a safer digital environment to the organization and increasing employee productivity.
These characteristics make DNS filtering a customizable and adjustable tool to each company's specific needs and desired levels of security.
Advantages of DNS filtering over other forms of control
The characteristics of DNS filtering make it a solution that offers several advantages compared to other forms of internet access control, such as browser-level blocking or network monitoring software. Its main advantage is ease of implementation and maintenance, as there is no need to install software on each device.
Another great benefit is that DNS filtering allows you to prevent indiscriminate access without being overly intrusive for employees, blocking the website before the content is actually loaded. Additionally, your company can update DNS filtering to include new categories or threats, always staying protected.
How does Lumiun DNS work?
Lumiun Lumiun DNS is a DNS filtering solution that can be an effective and complete solution for your company. With the help of this tool, it is possible to control access more effectively and safely, adding security and productivity to your organization.
With the help of this feature , managers can configure access policies, create lists of allowed and blocked websites and have real-time internet monitoring, providing detailed reports on employees' browsing patterns. Intuitive and easy to use, Lumiun DNS allows continuous adjustments to access policies so that your company always remains protected and updated in the face of new threats and productivity risks.
One of the biggest advantages of Lumiun DNS is that it has advanced features, such as the ability to apply different access policies for different groups of users and automatic categorization of websites. The drop in employee efficiency causes project delays, failure to meet demands and a considerable reduction in the quality of results.
Practical examples of use in the company
You can use Lumiun DNS to implement custom access policies for different departments within the organization. For example: it is possible to allow the marketing department to have access to social networks that are part of its activities, while the software development department has restricted access to these platforms.
These characteristics make this tool extremely effective and flexible, adapting to the needs of each team and providing an efficient digital environment for the entire company.
You can also use Lumiun DNS to protect your company network against today's top cyber threats. The platform can block websites known for distributing malware or carrying out phishing attacks , keeping users away from the problems that cause so much damage to modern companies.
Benefits of internet access control
Internet access control is a strategy that can benefit your company and help maintain employee productivity and efficiency. Considering the importance of the internet for organizational processes, it is crucial to implement effective control to ensure a safe and efficient environment.
Below are the main benefits of internet access control for organizations:
Increased productivity
Blocking access to irrelevant websites and distracting content is one of the main benefits of controlling internet access in companies, increasing productivity. In other words, this block will encourage your employees to stay focused on activities that are really important to the organization and use their working time more efficiently and intelligently.
Access control can promote a culture of responsibility and focus, as employees know the consequences of inappropriate access. With this, they will be able to better manage their available time and prioritize the tasks that are important.
Concrete examples of companies that have implemented DNS filtering
Thanks to its characteristics, DNS filtering is being widely used by companies, allowing efficient blocking of essential resources for the work environment. Therefore, companies in the financial sector use DNS filtering to better protect their sensitive data against unauthorized access.
With the help of DNS filtering, the company can block phishing , reduce the incidence of malware and improve overall network security. By implementing a clear policy and providing transparent information to its employees, the company was not only able to increase safety but also productivity in the workplace.
Improvement in company results
Controlling internet access can be very positive for a company's results, increasing employee productivity , reducing wasted time and improving security can provide more significant results at the end of the period.
Positive impact on financial results and performance indicators
Following the logic of improving employee productivity, it is clear that the company will be able to count on better financial results and performance indicators. Increasing operational efficiency means completing projects on time and adapting the budget to the company's needs.
Furthermore, the implementation of more effective internet access control policies helps to improve performance indicators such as consumer satisfaction, work quality and employee retention. Therefore, the more productive and focused your teams are, the quality of the service provided will also improve.
Strategies for implementing access control without being controlling
Depending on the way internet access control is implemented within the company, employees may perceive this as something negative or an attempt at extreme control by managers . Therefore, it is crucial to conduct the process with intelligence and strategy, ensuring that employees understand the importance of control and its daily impact.
For this reason, it is essential to follow some essential steps, as we will see below:
Communication and Transparency
To implement effective internet access control, without appearing controlling, it is crucial to prioritize communication and transparency. The company must communicate policies clearly to employees, explaining the reasons for the changes and the expected benefits.
When employees can understand the reason for the policies, it becomes easier for the company to go through this adaptation process. Therefore, the team's involvement in the implementation process can also be extremely beneficial, collecting employees' concerns and questions regarding this transformation.
How to involve the team in the process and obtain feedback
To involve the team in implementing internet access control, workshops, meetings and opinion surveys are essential. It is important to understand employees' expectations and concerns about these changes to create more effective and acceptable policies for everyone.
It is important that managers recognize and value the feedback provided by employees, showing that their opinions are taken seriously and that they can influence the company's decisions that impact everyone. With engagement and cooperation, it is possible to build a work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Flexible and adjustable policies
Therefore, before making any significant decision to change processes, it is crucial to discuss the specific needs of each company. For this reason, it is necessary to have a flexible and adjustable policy that helps everyone understand the importance of the changes and what the company's expectations are regarding the participation of its employees.
Adaptation of access rules according to employee needs and feedback
Strict access control policies can be harmful to the organization and can be perceived as oppressive. Therefore, access rules must be flexible and adjustable based on employee feedback, allowing exceptions and adjustments as necessary.
Therefore, this flexibility allows companies to quickly adapt to changes and adjust their priorities as necessary, increasing process intelligence and efficiency. For example, during periods of high demand, it may be necessary to apply stricter restrictions to ensure employees can focus on critical tasks. In times of lower demand, the approach can be more flexible, allowing greater access to resources.
Example of policies that can be adjusted may cause discomfort
The main example of an adjustable policy is the release of restricted access during specific times, such as after work and lunch hours. Thus, the company can choose to allow access to social networks on specific days of the week, ensuring that it does not interfere with daily tasks.
This flexibility will help the company demonstrate respect for the autonomy and freedom of employees, reducing the perception of excessive control. Therefore, the changes can be a differentiator for employees, who will be able to understand the importance of adapting to these policies and ensuring safer digital behavior.
Continuous monitoring and adjustments
We know that day-to-day tasks are changeable, and so are the demands of the company. For this reason, continuous monitoring and adjustments can be very beneficial for the company.
It is necessary to understand on a daily basis what the real demands presented by employees are and how these demands can be adapted when implementing an internet access control policy.
The importance of constant monitoring and reporting analysis
DNS filtering tools provide detailed reports on enterprise internet usage, helping you adjust policies and identify patterns to ensure effectiveness.
Monitoring also allows the identification of new sites and categories that may be harmful to the company's activity , helping to keep the network protected from new risks and distractions. Report analysis helps the company stay up to date against new threats, acting proactively to ensure greater protection and security for its data.
How to make adjustments without seeming controlling
Your employees need to understand the need to adopt preventive measures to maintain productivity and safety in the workplace. However, the company must implement adjustments to the internet access control policy in a transparent and informative manner.
The company must inform employees about the reasons for each adjustment, ensuring that they understand the benefits for both the company and themselves. Therefore, collecting continuous feedback is crucial to listening to employees' opinions and adjusting as necessary.
The company can also implement changes gradually to minimize employee resistance. In other words, during this process, monitoring the team's reaction before making new adjustments is crucial for a smooth adaptation to new policies.
Conclusion
In this way, balanced and strategic control of internet access can significantly increase productivity and improve the company's results. With the help of DNS filtering, it is possible to count on an effective solution to guarantee internet access control without being excessively controlling , maintaining a good relationship with the team.
Therefore, transparent communication is essential for success, promoting agreement between employees and managers and greater flexibility in implemented policies.
Finally, adopting a respectful and collaborative approach can make all the difference in the process of implementing internet access control policies, bringing benefits to both the organization and employees. With these strategies it is possible to create a work environment where the internet is used in an intelligent and productive way, adding value to the tasks carried out on a daily basis and contributing to the company's long-term success.
