The term proxy server describes a computer that offers a network service which allows its clients to make indirect connections to other network services. The phenomenon can be also described as follows: a client connects to the proxy server and through it he requires a connection, a file or other resource that is available on other servers. A proxy server can retrieve the searched information through direct connection to the specified server or even from its cache.
There are also much simpler explanations of the term called proxy server. To make it easier to understand we might compare the proxy server with a network machine or computer through what you get to connect to other machines and especially to other persons.
It is also good to know that the used memory for these proxy servers works like a database which will certainly be restored if the same information is asked for more than one time. The conclusion that these proxy servers are useful was revealed because of this fact. If the cache memory restores the information that was earlier needed this might lead to increase of the network quality and might speed up the internet connections.
We also heard about anonymous proxy servers. What is to know about these anonymous web proxies you might wonder? Well these special proxy servers are more than useful. It is well known that anonymous proxy servers hide your ID which will protect you and you computer from unauthorized access through the internet. The IP address is protected with the help of these anonymous proxy servers and no worries should occur while you are browsing the internet. These proxy servers might be used for different web services starting with web mail and ending with web-chat rooms or FTP achieves.
It is also good to know for those who surf the web without any worries that some sites require IP addresses or even IDs. Once they have gathered this information along with some information about your operating system the hacking of your PC might start. You will notice that your PC begins to block more and more often, requiring in most of the cases a reboot and worse than that is the possibility of getting access to your hard drive or RAM.
There are very few jobs today that do not have some interaction with the Internet. Web access is now as standard to a business as a phone. The web can become a risk to business if not managed. Ideally, usage is mostly work related in accordance with company policies. The company is then hopefully safe from malicious and inappropriate content. Faith that employees will not stray from policy is no longer enough assurance that your resources will be safe and productive. Managed Web Browsing controls how employees use the Internet while on a company's network.
Employers provide internet access to workers as a tool to perform their jobs. Access at work is similar to telephones for employees. Workers know they should not make excessive non-business or toll calls costing the company. If so, this can be considered an abuse of privilege. Unmanaged Internet access can be a serious drain on productivity and a lot more difficult to detect than excessive personal phone calls. Cases of employees running side businesses, viewing pornography, gambling and shopping during work hours are becoming common. Unchecked access also has risks of providing a vulnerable entry point for viruses, spyware, malware and a conduit for data leakage.
Managed Web browsing is about enforcing an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) as it relates to company-enabled Internet access. This involves ensuring that work-related access is safe from offensive material and dangerous content. It also involves ensuring that personal Internet use is moderated and does not pose a risk to the company. This risk includes lost productivity, exposure to legal liability and loss of company confidential information. However, managed and controlled browsing is not just about technology and enforcement. It also encompasses other elements such as education and training of staff as well as clear communication and consistent application of the rules.
Why is Managed Web Browsing Important?
For an average company employing 1,000 people, the potential costs of unsecured Internet access are significant. If each employee wastes just 20 minutes per day on non-business Internet use, this can cost the company 80,000 hours of lost productivity per year. Based on an average salary of $35,000, this would equate to more than $1.4 million in lost wages. According to the ICSA (International Computer Security Association), the average cost to clean up a virus infection is $2,400 per incident. If, through unsecured Internet use, you receive just one virus infection per week, the cost of recovery could be $125,000 per year. Many companies today have formal Acceptable Use Policies for Internet, email and company resources. If not, you are strongly encouraged to quickly implement policies in your company.
These polices set the standards and expectations that employers have of appropriate Internet use within the workplace. However, all too often, employers simply print out the rules and ask employees to sign a document without adequate training or consistent enforcement. This is where technology, can provide significant benefits in terms of user education and consistent enforcement of the rules.
Managed Web browsing is critical foremost for protecting against the costs of unmanaged Internet use, but also for showing a reasonable attempt to enforce policy and protect users. Employers are expected to provide a safe working environment. This includes protecting workers against offensive content such as pornography, profanity and inappropriate graphic images. Managed Web browsing demonstrates that as an employer you have taken all reasonable steps to provide a safe working environment.
Conclusion
An effective approach for Managed Web Browsing requires an array of solutions. These range from basic monitoring and reporting capabilities to full policy enforcement. Technical solutions provide consistent enforcement and reinforcement of rules. This consistency is crucial in educating users and making sure they are aware of the boundaries set by the company.
You have the responsibility to maintain your company's digital environment, with the right tools you can now also have the control to assure compliance and protect your company's assets.
Watch for coming articles on methods of detection and enforcement. You are also encouraged to visit http://enclavedata.com and pull down actual Case Studies of Companies and solutions we deployed to assure a Secured Web Gateway for Managed Browsing. We work with companies of all sizes to assure their web is secure and in compliance. Our solutions are state of the art, quick to implement, cost effective and provide the comfort to know your web environment is secure.
Both Stefan Jechel & Dan Schutte are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.