Organizations running WiFi networks are facing attacks from all angles. Many companies are choosing to implement web filters for WiFi networks to help mitigate risk from the growing number of malware variants that are being used to attack businesses via their WiFi networks.
A new report issued by Bilbao-based antivirus software developer Panda Security, has revealed the extent of the problem. Last year, over 84 million new malware samples were identified, which equates to 27% of all malware previously identified.
The proliferation in malware has been attributed, in part, to the rise in use of antivirus software and the effectiveness of those software programs. When a new malware is discovered, antivirus signatures are updated and shared with all antivirus software developers. In a very short space of time, all AV engines will block a particular malware.
Hackers have respondent by using software that modifies malware slightly, allowing hundreds or thousands of variants to be released. An increased number of malware variants are needed in order to get past antivirus software programs, as many AV engines are capable of detecting malware that has been modified slightly. The more variants are used, the higher the probability of malware getting past security software.
When Panda was formed in 1990, the company was detecting approximately 100 new malware variants a day. Today 230,000 new samples are discovered every day, on average.
Trojans are the most common malware form, with the full breakdown of new malware variants detailed below:
| Malware Type | % of new malware discovered in 2015 |
| Trojans | 51.45% |
| Viruses | 22.79% |
| Worms | 13.22% |
| PUPs | 10.71% |
| Spyware | 1.83% |
Blocking Malware with a Web Filtering Solution
Malware is installed on user devices via a variety of different vectors. Spam email is one of the most common methods of malware delivery, but fortunately, one of the most straightforward to block. A robust anti-spam solution can be used to block the vast majority (over 99.7%) of spam emails from being delivered. Training users how to recognize malware can help to ensure that any rogue emails that get past the filter will be identified and deleted before any damage is caused.
Blocking malware from being installed via malicious websites can be more difficult. Hackers use exploit kits to probe for security vulnerabilities in browsers and browser plug-ins, and deliver malware in drive-by attacks without the knowledge of website visitors. Social engineering tactics are used to fool users into downloading malware, and malicious software can be installed on legitimate websites or placed on adverts displayed by those websites.
One of the best protections to implement to ensure users’ devices are not infected with malware is a web filter. A web filter will restrict access to websites known to contain malware, as well as categories of websites where malware is most likely to be located. As well as protecting users from objectionable website content such as pornography or religious extremist material, it will also keep their devices safe and free from Trojans, viruses, worms and other malicious software. A web filtering solution can be a highly effective protection against malware as part of a multi-layered security system.
Web Filters for Wi-Fi Networks Keep Internet Users Secure
One of the ways enterprises are keeping their wireless networks secure is by using web filters for WiFi networks. WiFi networks are particularly risky and need to be secured. Due to the risk of using wireless networks, many customers avoid networks that are unsecured.
Installing software solutions on individual devices that connect to wireless networks is far from ideal. Many companies have BYOD policies that permit the use of personal devices at work, and it would not be practical to install web filtering software solutions on each and every device used to connect to the network. In a coffee shop or hotel, this would simply not be possible.
The easy solution is to use DNS-based web filtering solutions, as they do not require the installation of any software on users’ devices. All that is required to run DNS-based web filtering is a simple change to the DNS server addresses on the company’s router.
Any user with a modicum of technical knowhow would be able to bypass a DNS-based web filter and access blocked content, although with some minor configuration changes to the router, users can be prevented from using any other DNS servers other that the one with the web filtering solution in place.
TitanHQ web filters for WiFi networks
TitanHQ’s web filters for WiFi networks offer highly granular controls. WebTitan Cloud for WiFi networks can be fine-tuned to suit any organization’s needs, allowing light control of Internet use to highly restrictive Internet filtering.
No software installations are required thanks to the 100% cloud-based system, and no additional hardware is required. Only very minor changes need to be made to point DNS servers to the correct location, and after basic parameters are set, WebTitan’s web filters for WiFi networks will be up and running.
It may not be possible to eliminate the risk of a malware attack, but with WebTitan Cloud for WiFi, risk can be reduced to a low and acceptable level.
Key benefits of WebTitan web filters for WiFi networks
- Create a family-friendly, safe and secure web browsing environment.
- Accurately filter web content through 53 pre-set categories and up to 10 custom categories.
- Filter by keyword and keyword score.
- Filter content in 200 languages.
- No hardware or software installations required
- Suitable for static and dynamic IPs
- No impact on broadband speed
- Suitable for use with multiple routers
- No limits on access points or users
- Scalable solution for businesses large and small
- Block access to inappropriate website content
- Block phishing attacks and malware and ransomware downloads
- Integrate the solution into existing billing, auto provisioning and monitoring systems through a suite of APIs
- Manage access points through a single web-based administration panel.
- Easy delegation of the management of access points
- Schedule and run reports on demand with real time-views of Internet activity and extensive drill down reporting.
- World class customer service
- Highly competitive pricing and a fully transparent pricing policy