Living in an increasingly digital world, restricted internet access presents both advantages and challenges. This is because, while the internet is an essential tool for carrying out countless tasks within companies, it can also be used indiscriminately and hinder the smooth running of operations . For this reason, controlling internet access 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 internet access control 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 some resistance from employees, in addition to the need to find efficient tools that contribute to this process.
Given these challenges, it is important for managers to 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 facilitate the implementation process.
A brief explanation of the importance of access control
Controlling internet access within organizations is fundamental to ensuring 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 unproductive activities .
The result is that employees are distracted from their responsibilities, harming the company's goals. Efficient access control minimizes security risks and maintains employee productivity.
Furthermore, controlling internet access will also help the company remain compliant with current regulations and legislation, such as the General Data Protection Law ( ). This legislation imposes legal requirements for the protection of sensitive information, guaranteeing the privacy of the data subjects.
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, as well as block unproductive content for the company.
This allows for safer and more productive browsing, acting in a less invasive way than other control tools. For this reason, DNS filtering helps the company monitor devices effectively and ensure greater productivity on a daily basis.
What makes DNS filtering particularly effective is its action at the first point of contact between the user's device and the internet, blocking directly in the domain name systems (DNS) . In this case, the DNS server checks whether the site is allowed or blocked when the user tries to access a page.
The problem of wasted time
Companies face one of the main challenges: wasted time during working hours. This is because, logically speaking, a predetermined number of employees are needed to carry out the activities that ensure the company's smooth operation, and when these tasks are not performed or take longer, there is a significant detriment to the business's 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 increase productivity or to serve as a distraction during leisure time. Therefore, employees are tempted by unrestricted internet access due to the ease of accessing news, personal emails, social networks, streaming, and entertainment.
In this sense, employees' attention is diverted from company tasks, increasing failures and errors in execution. Thus, there is a major problem regarding meeting 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 loss of time within the work environment , causing numerous problems for the company.
Statistics on time spent on non-work-related websites
According to a 2023 study by Teamtage , a company specializing in project management software, employees spend an average of about 21 hours per week using the internet for non-work-related activities. Compared to a typical workday, this represents 48% of their available time wasted.
When it comes to social media, an employee can spend an average of 1.5 hours of their 8.5-hour workday using these platforms, consuming 20% of their work time (research conducted in 2023 by Monitask , a company that provides time monitoring and tracking software to increase productivity). For this reason, blocking certain resources is essential to ensure the company's productivity and profitability.
In addition to social media, employees can also waste a significant amount of time on entertainment websites, streaming services, online games, and other content, consuming a large portion of their workday.
Impacts on productivity and company results
All this wasted time that occurs 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, failures to meet demands, and a significant reduction in the quality of results.
The drop in productivity among 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
Business managers across all sectors know how much employee distraction can negatively impact organizational results. Considering that employees are a company's most important assets, a 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 ensures results without affecting the organizational climate. However, it is crucial to identify the causes of distraction in order to combat them effectively.
Factors that lead employees to access websites outside the scope of their work
There are numerous factors that can cause employees to access websites unrelated to their work at the company. The main ones are lack of engagement with tasks, the need for mental breaks, stress, and even the organizational culture.
This is because it is necessary for the company not only to demand productivity but also to incentivize it, helping to identify and understand the causes that lead its employees to suffer drops in results and job dissatisfaction . A lack of challenges or the performance of repetitive tasks is also a considerable factor, causing employees to need to seek alternatives to alleviate boredom during the workday.
The absence of a culture of responsibility and effective time management within the company also fosters this behavior, making it necessary to adopt a more effective strategy to help employees understand the impact of indiscriminate internet use during work hours.
The influence of social networks and other entertainment websites
When it comes to distractions in the workplace, social media and entertainment websites are the main time thieves. These platforms have an interactive and highly addictive nature, causing users to lose track of time. Furthermore, users receive 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. Similarly, streaming platforms, both video and music, also have a strong appeal to keep their users engaged, harming productivity during work hours and negatively impacting company results.
DNS filtering: an effective solution
DNS filtering is an internet access control that allows companies to continuously monitor which content can or cannot be accessed during work hours. This blocking helps maintain employee engagement and avoid internet distractions, assisting the company in achieving superior results.
What is DNS filtering?
DNS filtering is an internet access control strategy that allows a company to block access to specific websites at the Domain Name System (DNS) level . With this blocking, when a user attempts 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 operates at the fundamental level of internet browsing, intercepting access requests before content is loaded. filtering effectively blocks malicious or inappropriate websites, increasing security and productivity by preventing unauthorized internet access.
Definition and basic operation
As mentioned earlier, DNS filtering intercepts domain name resolution requests and compares them to whitelists or blocklists. If the site is on the blocklist, the request is denied and the user is redirected to a page informing them of the block . Therefore, this approach is extremely efficient for businesses, as it operates on the network without requiring software installation on users' devices.
Thus, DNS filtering also allows the company to block entire categories, providing more assertive and efficient control. In this way , it's possible to select the blocking of social networks, online games , or adult content , creating a safer digital environment for the organization and increasing employee productivity.
These features make DNS filtering a customizable tool that can be adjusted to the specific needs of each company and the desired levels of security.
Advantages of DNS filtering compared to 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 the ease of implementation and maintenance, as it does not require the installation of software on each device.
Another great benefit is that DNS filtering allows you to prevent indiscriminate access without being overly intrusive to employees, blocking the site before the content is actually loaded. Furthermore, your company can update the DNS filtering to include new categories or threats, keeping itself always 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 securely, 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 monitor the internet in real time, providing detailed reports on employees' browsing patterns. Intuitive and easy to use, Lumiun DNS allows continuous adjustments to access policies so that your company remains protected and up-to-date against new threats and productivity risks.
One of the biggest advantages of Lumiun DNS is its advanced features, such as the ability to apply different access policies to distinct user groups and automatic website categorization. A drop in employee efficiency causes project delays, failures 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 customized access policies for different departments within the organization. For example, you can allow the marketing department access to social media platforms related to their activities, while the software development department has restricted access to these platforms.
These features 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's network against today's major cyber threats. The platform can block websites known for distributing malware or carrying out phishing attacks , keeping users away from problems that cause so much damage to modern businesses.
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 to 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 internet access control in companies, increasing productivity. In other words, this blocking will encourage your employees to stay focused on activities that are truly important to the organization and use their work time more efficiently and intelligently.
Access control can foster a culture of responsibility and focus, as employees understand the consequences of improper access. This allows them to better manage their time and prioritize important tasks.
Concrete examples of companies that have implemented DNS filtering
Thanks to its characteristics, DNS filtering is being widely used by companies, allowing for the efficient blocking of unnecessary resources in the work environment. Thus, 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 is able to 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 has not only increased security but also productivity in the workplace.
Improvement in company results
Controlling internet access can be very positive for a company's bottom line; increased employee productivity , reduced wasted time, and improved security can lead to 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 evident that the company can expect better financial results and improved performance indicators. Increasing operational efficiency means completing projects on time and aligning the budget with the company's needs.
Furthermore, implementing more effective internet access control policies helps improve performance indicators such as customer satisfaction, work quality, and employee retention. Therefore, the more productive and focused your teams are, the better the quality of service provided will be.
Strategies for implementing access control without being a controller
Depending on how internet access control is implemented within the company, employees may perceive it as something negative or an attempt at extreme control by management . Therefore, it is crucial to conduct the process intelligently and strategically, ensuring that employees understand the importance of the control and its daily impact.
For this reason, it is essential to follow some indispensable 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 clearly communicate its policies to employees, explaining the reasons for the changes and the expected benefits.
When employees understand the rationale behind the policies, it becomes easier for the company to go through the adaptation process. Therefore, involving the team in the implementation process can also be extremely beneficial, gathering employee concerns and questions about this transformation.
How to involve the team in the process and get feedback
To involve the team in implementing internet access control, workshops, meetings, and opinion surveys are essential. It's important to understand employees' expectations and concerns about these changes in order to create more effective and acceptable policies for everyone.
It is important for managers to recognize and value the feedback provided by employees, showing that their opinions are taken seriously and can influence company decisions that impact everyone. With engagement and cooperation, it is possible to build a work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Flexible and adaptable policies
Therefore, before making any significant decisions 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 adaptable policy that helps everyone understand the importance of the changes and what the company's expectations are regarding the participation of its employees.
Adapting access rules as needed and based on employee feedback
Rigid access control policies can be detrimental to an organization and may be perceived as oppressive. Therefore, access rules should be flexible and adjustable based on employee feedback, allowing for exceptions and adjustments as needed.
Therefore, this flexibility allows companies to adapt quickly to changes and adjust their priorities as needed, increasing the intelligence and efficiency of processes. For example, during periods of high demand, it may be necessary to apply stricter restrictions to ensure that employees focus on critical tasks. In times of lower demand, the approach can be more flexible, allowing greater access to resources.
Examples of policies that can be adjusted without causing discomfort
The main example of an adjustable policy is allowing restricted access during specific times, such as after work hours and during lunch breaks. Thus, the company can choose to allow access to social media 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 its employees, reducing the perception of excessive control. Therefore, these changes can be a differentiating factor for employees, who will understand the importance of adapting to these policies and ensuring safer digital behavior.
Continuous monitoring and adjustments
We know that daily tasks are constantly changing, and so are the demands of the company. For this reason, continuous monitoring and adjustments can be very beneficial for the business.
It is necessary to understand, on a daily basis what the real demands presented by employees are and how these demands can be adapted in the implementation of an internet access control policy.
The importance of constant monitoring and report analysis
DNS filtering tools provide detailed reports on internet usage within the company, helping to adjust policies and identify patterns to ensure effectiveness.
Monitoring also allows for the identification of new websites and categories that may be harmful to the company's activity , helping to keep the network protected from new risks and distractions. Analyzing reports helps the company stay updated 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 necessity of adopting preventative measures to maintain productivity and safety in the workplace. However, the company should implement adjustments to its internet access control policy in a transparent and informative manner.
The company should inform employees about the reasons for each adjustment, ensuring they understand the benefits for both the company and themselves. Therefore, collecting continuous feedback is crucial to hear employee opinions and adjust as needed.
The company can also implement the 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 the new policies.
Conclusion
Therefore, a balanced and strategic control of internet access can significantly increase productivity and improve company results. With the help of DNS filtering, it's possible to have an effective solution to ensure internet access control without being overly controlling , while maintaining a good relationship with the team.
Therefore, transparent communication is essential for success, promoting agreement between employees and managers and greater flexibility in the policies implemented.
Finally, adopting a respectful and collaborative approach can make all the difference in the process of implementing internet access control policies, benefiting both the organization and its employees. With these strategies, it's possible to create a work environment where the internet is used intelligently and productively, adding value to daily tasks and contributing to the company's long-term success.
