Computer and Information Security Handbook

Chapter 42

Content Filtering

Peter Nicoletti, Secure Information Systems

Content filtering is a powerful tool that, properly deployed, can offer parents, companies, and local, state, and federal governments protection from Internet-based content. It is disparaged as Orwellian and simultaneously embraced as a short-term positive ROI project, depending on who you are and how it affects your online behavior. In this chapter we examine the many benefits and justifications of Web-based content filtering, such as legal liability risk reduction, productivity gains, and bandwidth usage. We’ll explore the downside and unintended consequences and risks that improperly deployed or misconfigured systems create. We’ll also look into methods to subvert and ...