DNS vs URL Filtering - What’s the Difference and Why it Matters.

Cyberattacks often begin with a single click. That’s why content filtering is more critical than ever in today’s digital landscape. But not all filtering technologies are the same and understanding the difference between DNS and URL filtering can help your organization build a smarter, layered security strategy for web access.

What is DNS Filtering?

DNS filtering works at the Domain Name System (DNS) level.
This is the same system that translates a website (like linkedin.com) into the IP address your device uses to connect.
When DNS filtering is enabled, requests for malicious, risky, or non-compliant domains are blocked before a full connection is established.

Benefits of DNS Filtering:

• Fast and lightweight – stops threats before a page even loads
• Great for remote/hybrid work – protection travels with users
• Broad protection – blocks entire domains known for hosting malware, phishing, or botnets.

Example:
If a user clicks a phishing link to malicious-phish.com, DNS filtering stops it from resolving so no connection or download is made (and no risk).

What is URL Filtering?

URL filtering goes deeper. It analyzes the full web address (URL), including the specific page, folder, or file path, after DNS resolution.

This allows organizations to enforce more granular web access policies and send the entire URL for more in-depth evaluation.

Benefits of URL Filtering:

• Granular control – Send specific pages for further risk-based evaluation (e.g., example.com/sports/basketball)
• Advanced Threat Protection – Stops users from accessing compromised subpages or dangerous downloads on otherwise “safe” domains

Example:
A site like example.com may be generally safe, but example.com/freeware.exe could contain malware. URL filtering catches this.