Browser Security vs. DNS Filtering: Why Your Security Should Live Where the Threats Do

Ever tried swatting flies with a tennis racket? That’s essentially DNS filtering in today’s cybersecurity landscape—a blunt tool trying to solve a precision problem. At Acium, we’ve discovered a better way.

The Problem with DNS Filtering: Fighting Yesterday’s Battle

When Brandon from Coulee Bank told us DNS filtering was “causing more problems than solutions,” we weren’t surprised. Here’s why DNS filtering is quickly becoming obsolete:

• It’s always playing catch-up: DNS filtering only blocks known bad domains, leaving you vulnerable to new threats
• The frustrating blank page: Users hit mysterious dead ends with no explanation, flooding IT with tickets
• The super-domain dilemma: Want to block Reddit except for specific subreddits? Sorry, DNS can’t do that
• Blind to what matters: With most traffic encrypted, DNS filters can see where you’re going but not what you’re doing when you get there

Browser-Level Security: Moving Protection Where It Belongs

Acium brings security directly into the browser—where users actually interact with threats. This fundamental shift delivers immediate advantages:

Precision Control

Unlike DNS filtering’s all-or-nothing approach, Acium lets you allow r/MachineLearning while blocking the rest of Reddit. This granularity works across all major platforms, giving you unprecedented control.

Better User Experience

No more mysterious blank pages. When Acium blocks something, users see clear “Acium said no” messages with explanations. Users also have the ability to ask for a specific URI to be unblocked directly on page, no need to raise a separate ticket, clear full audit trail of who is accessing what, where and when. This transparency drastically reduces helpdesk tickets and user frustration.

Beyond the Blocklist

While DNS filters wait for domains to be flagged as malicious, Acium analyzes behavior in real-time, catching suspicious activity even on legitimate websites. This proactive approach stops threats before they start.

Works Everywhere, Simply

Unlike complex network configurations, Acium’s browser extension deploys easily and protects users whether they’re at the office, home, or a coffee shop. One solution, complete coverage.

The Bottom Line

DNS filtering made sense when threats were simpler and the internet less consolidated. Today’s security challenges demand solutions that work where the actual threat interaction happens—directly in the browser.

For organizations like Coulee Bank with limited IT resources, making this shift isn’t just about better security—it’s about reclaiming time wasted managing exceptions, handling user complaints, and cleaning up after breaches that slip through.

Ready to move your security from the network to the browser where it belongs? Let’s talk about how Acium can transform your approach to web security. Contact us for a demo to see it in action!