Web Monitoring Software Can Do Double-Duty as Web Security Software

Internet spyware, malware and scams are becoming more and more sophisticated, and many companies are turning to Web Monitoring Software to help safeguard proprietary data and computer assets. In many cases managers are finding that web monitoring software can do double-duty as web security software. This type of software is usually used to prevent or monitor employee Internet access in compliance with company Accepted Internet Use Policies. It also serves to protect against data leaks by identifying patterns, and blocking transmission of information like credit cards and social security numbers.

Web monitoring software examines the text and data transmitted in encoded email attachments, chat, blog posts, and file transfers looking for identifiable patterns. IT or HR managers can use web monitoring software to define and flag patterns of characters that should be reviewed before being transmitted. Usually this software is used to monitor and block inappropriate employee Internet use, and as such, has the ability to provide exact and partial keyword matching in order to block harmful or restricted sites from employees during working hours. A database of known spyware, malware or other objectionable sites is also checked to restrict employee access. With the added feature of keyword pattern analysis, managers can define general patterns of text to restrict or monitor, and can prevent many instances of data leakage as well as hacker access to company information.

By blocking access to potentially dangerous sites, managers can not only protect computers from exposure to computer viruses, but they can protect the data on these computers from unauthorized access. The software is flexible and can be set to permit or restrict employee access to the Internet in almost any way imaginable. Some managers choose to block employees from accessing all websites on the Internet except those deemed necessary for work, while other managers selectively filter website access based on site category, particular domain name, or keyword.

Web monitoring software can also be used as web security software by restricting access to classifications of sites such as gambling, gaming, social media,warez or pornography. Managers can set restrictions and permissions either for individual users, or by grouping employees. For instance, the mail room employees could be restricted from accessing all but the Fedex, Post Office and UPS websites. Managers can remove restrictions from certain times of the day, such as lunch or after hours, and allow greater access to the Internet.

Some web monitoring software can operate without employees even realizing it is there, even if they look for it on their computers. This allows managers to monitor the data transmitted off of each company computer, aiding in protecting against data leaks.

Sue McCrossin is a freelance writer working with Pearl Software to promote awareness about how web monitoring software can also be used as web security software, preventing harmful virus or spyware infections, and aiding in preventing data leaks.

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