How Does a Company Block Websites From Employees?

Changing Browser Settings

The fastest way to block a computer's access to a website is to utilize the administrative options of the computer's Web browser. All major browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari allow the user logged in as administrator to list specific Web sites that they wish to block. There are three major drawbacks to this method. The first is that the process of applying these changes to the browsers on a business' computers must be done one computer at a time. The second is that it is relatively easy for users to undo these settings, although some browser and operating system combinations allow only administrators to make such changes. Finally, websites must be blocked individually using this method; administrators cannot block entire categories of sites.

Modifying the Host File

A more efficient way to block websites on multiple computers at once is to modify a computer network's hosts file. The hosts file is the computer file that establishes the links between the host names and IP addresses on the network. All hosts files contain the line "127.0.0.1 local host." To block a website on all of a network's computers, an administrator must add another line underneath this line that begins with "127.0.0.1" and is followed by the forbidden site's URL. An unlimited number of sites can be added to this list, however this approach also forbids the convenience of blocking an entire category of sites.

Using Specialty Software

There are numerous software titles that offer the capabilities of blocking specific websites and categories of Web sites across entire computer networks, and many companies make use of these to control their employees' surfing. The programs vary widely capabilities and effectiveness. Many of the more advanced anti-virus and firewall software titles have these features built-in. The versions that allow users to block sites by category such as adult sites or social networking sites typically require a subscription fee, as the software publishers must maintain an up-to-date database of sites that belong in each category.

Using Router or Hub Software

If one or more of a company's computers are hooked up to a hub or router, administrative software can be used to block specific sites. Since every hub or router controls and directs Internet access, it can also limit it. The settings panels of most hubs and routers look and work similarly to some of the sections in web browser settings panels. Individual website URLs are added to a forbidden list, and when the changes are applied, all computers connected to the Internet through that hub or router will be blocked from visiting those sites.