It is difficult to protect K–12 students using online blocking software. Today’s students study on computers, tablets, and other mobile devices, and they conduct research for assignments, complete communications, and collaborate online. Examine cloud-based web filters for schools if your current web filter is out-of-date or you spend too much time maintaining it.
A crucial cybersecurity measure is cloud-based web filtering software for schools. It is simple to upload blacklists of malware-hosting and phishing websites. Keep reading to learn the benefits of cloud-based web filtering software.
Why is web filtering software used in schools?
The US Congress passed the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in 2000 to protect children from offensive or harmful online material. If a school wants to take advantage of the E-rate program discounts for Internet access, they must adhere to CIPA rules, which include installing a web filter.
Schools must screen or prohibit access to pornographic and offensive online content. Moreover, schools must teach students about digital citizenship and keep an eye on their online behavior per CIPA.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Content Filtering
1: Simple to Install
Cloud-based web filters are like extremely simple superheroes for schools! Imagine them as wizards who simplify everything. These filters don’t require complicated settings at school like older software or hardware did; instead, they perform their magic online. It’s like setting up your favorite game; there’s no need for tech gurus.
Schools can quickly establish a secure digital area thanks to this efficient and rapid procedure. Without the hassles of outdated tech settings, teachers can focus on ensuring the safety of their kids. Simple as pie!
2: Versatile and Easy to Use
A sort of web filtering called cloud-based web filtering can be accessed online and is hosted on a distant server. Since they can be used with any kind of device or operating system as long as it has an internet connection, this makes them flexible and simple to use.
Here are some more benefits of this software as compared to traditional on-premises web filters:
- Scalability: Regardless of the size of your school, cloud-based web filters can be simply scaled up or down to match your needs.
- Security: Cloud-based web filters are frequently updated with the most recent security fixes and are normally hosted on secure servers.
- Cost-effectiveness: Since cloud-based web filters don’t need to be purchased upfront, they are frequently less expensive than on-premises web filters.
3: Prevent Student Exposure
Cloud-based web filters can assist schools in preventing student exposure to improper information in conformity with CIPA and state law. They accomplish this by preventing users from accessing websites that have pornographic, violent, hateful, or other undesirable content.
Cloud-based web filters can be scaled to fit the requirements of any size school and are simple to use and operate. Also, they are continuously updated to defend against the most recent threats.
A cloud-based web filter is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a solution to safeguard your pupils from exposure to inappropriate content and adhere to CIPA and state laws.
4: Increased Parental Engagement
Cloud-based web filters serve as parents’ digital allies by providing parents with detailed reports on their kids’ online usage. Parents can keep tabs on what their kids are up to. Parents can spot possible problems, start discussions about safe internet use, and quickly resolve concerns by analyzing their children’s online behavior.
This improved openness encourages parents and educators to work together, resulting in a more secure and encouraging online environment for kids to explore and learn.
5: Reduced IT Workloads
Schools can lessen their IT workload in a variety of ways with the use of cloud-based web filters.
- First off, since the provider manages cloud-based web filters, school IT employees are relieved of the responsibility of setting up, configuring, and maintaining the web filter.
- The second benefit is that cloud-based web filters are frequently quite simple to use and maintain. Training for using the web filter won’t take up much time for the school’s IT team.
- Thirdly, the supplier often updates cloud-based web filters. The web filter does not need to be manually updated, so school IT employees need not be concerned.
6: Affordable
Web filters that are hosted in the cloud are frequently less expensive than on-premises options. This is so that schools only pay for the resources they use and there are no upfront costs for hardware or software.
Cloud-based web filters are accessed online and are hosted on distant servers. This implies that no hardware or software is required for schools to buy or maintain.
- No up-front costs: Cloud-based web filters don’t require any hardware or software purchases.
- Pay-as-you-go: On a subscription basis, schools often pay for cloud-based web filters, which means they only pay for the services they utilize.
Cloud-Based Web Filtering Solution for School
Overall, cloud-based web filters provide K–12 schools with many advantages, such as usability, scalability, security, and affordability. Moreover, they can assist schools in promoting parental involvement, increasing student productivity, decreasing IT workload, and improving student safety.
Read More: How AI-Driven Web Filters For Schools: A New Approach To Cybersecurity
