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DNS Security Service for TZ280W (2 Years)

£393.00
(£471.60 inc VAT)
03-SSC-7832
Available - Key generated on order
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Cyberattacks often begin with a single click. That’s why content filtering is more critical than ever in today’s digital landscape. But not all filtering technologies are the same and understanding the difference between DNS and URL filtering can help your organization build a smarter, layered security strategy for web access.

What is DNS Filtering?   What is URL Filtering?
DNS filtering works at the Domain Name System (DNS) level. This is the same system that translates a website (like linkedin.com) into the IP address your device uses to connect. When DNS filtering is enabled, requests for malicious, risky, or non-compliant domains are blocked before a full connection is established.

Benefits of DNS Filtering:

  • Fast and lightweight – stops threats before a page even loads
  • Great for remote/hybrid work – protection travels with users
  • Broad protection – blocks entire domains known for hosting malware, phishing, or botnets.
 URL filtering goes deeper. It analyzes the full web address (URL), including the specific page, folder, or file path, after DNS resolution. This allows organizations to enforce more granular web access policies and send the entire URL for more in-depth evaluation.

Benefits of URL Filtering:

  • Granular control – Send specific pages for further risk-based evaluation (e.g., example.com/sports/basketball)
  • Advanced Threat Protection – Stops users from accessing compromised subpages or dangerous downloads on otherwise “safe” domains

DNS vs. URL Filtering: Key Differences

FeatureDNS FilteringURL Filtering
LayerNetwork (DNS)Application (HTTP/S)
GranularityDomain-widePath-specific (URLs, subpages, files)
SpeedFast, blocks earlySlightly slower, more detailed
Use CasesStop known threats earlyEnforce deeper inspection
Best ForLightweight, broad protectionGranular content filtering and policy enforcement

Why You Need Both

DNS filtering is your first line of defense by keeping users from even reaching known bad destinations. URL filtering is your second layer which analyzes deeper content on the fly to catch what DNS filtering didn’t.

Together they give you:

  • Comprehensive threat coverage to prevent data loss and breaches
  • Flexible policy-based controls based on user groups
  • A layered security approach that secures web access wherever your users are

DNS Security (inc. Advanced DNS Filtering) is included in the Advanced Protection Security Suite (APSS) and Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS) bundles.