How can URLs be blocked according to web reputation settings?

Blocking URLs based on web reputation settings is effectively done through user-defined keywords. This method allows for the creation of broader or more targeted blocks by using specific keywords that might appear in various URLs. When a keyword is defined, any URL containing that keyword can be blocked, which provides flexibility in managing access to potentially harmful or unwanted web content.

This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where the exact domain or URL structure may change frequently, or when a range of URLs fall under a related topic that needs to be monitored or blocked. The ability to use keywords enables administrators to adapt to shifting web content while maintaining security protocols.

Domains, specific URLs, and hosting services have their own limitations. Blocking by domain can be too broad, as it may block all traffic from a domain, including safe content. Blocking specific URLs offers precision but may not provide comprehensive coverage against variations of harmful content. Using a website's hosting service wouldn’t effectively filter content, as many legitimate sites can share the same hosting service. Thus, utilizing user-defined keywords becomes the most adaptable and strategic method for URL blocking in web reputation settings.