Content Filtering and Proxy Servers - Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms covering content filtering methods (URL, keyword, protocol/port), and the role and types of proxy servers (web, reverse, transparent) and their benefits.

Content filtering

A network management practice that restricts access to certain content, websites, or applications based on defined criteria.

URL filtering

Blocking access to websites based on their URL or domain; commonly used in organizations to prevent non-work or unsafe sites; implemented via browser settings, proxies, firewall rules, or filtering software.

Keyword filtering

Scanning a web page for specific keywords or phrases and blocking the page if any are detected; useful for targeted blocking but can cause overblocking if not tuned.

Protocol filtering (port filtering)

Blocking network traffic based on the protocol or port used, to enforce security policies and conserve bandwidth.

Proxy server

A server that acts as an intermediary between a user’s device and the Internet, used to manage traffic, improve security and anonymity, and enable content filtering.

Web proxy

A common type of proxy that retrieves web pages on behalf of a user; can bypass content filters and may cache content to improve performance.

Reverse proxy

A proxy that sits in front of an organization’s servers to manage incoming traffic, provide load balancing, filter out malicious traffic, and cache resources for performance.

Transparent proxy

A proxy that monitors and filters Internet traffic, often intercepting requests and forwarding them to the intended destination while logging activity.

Intermediary

Another term for a proxy; the middleman between a user’s device and the Internet.

Cache (proxy caching)

Storing frequently accessed resources locally at the proxy to reduce retrieval time and improve performance.

Security benefits of proxies

Proxies can filter out malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access, enhancing cybersecurity.

Anonymity and IP masking

Proxies can hide a user’s IP address to make tracking harder and help protect online privacy.

Blocking access to websites or content

Using filters or proxies to prevent users from reaching certain sites or types of content to enforce policies.

Bypass content filters with a proxy

Web proxies can be used to access blocked websites by circumventing content filters.

Proxy traffic flow (request pathway)

When a user requests a resource, the request is sent to the proxy, which fetches the resource from the Internet and returns it to the user (often with a cached copy for speed).