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Securing Higher Education: Enhancing Campus Wi-Fi Safety with DNSFilter

Student using laptop

In today’s hyper-connected learning environment, digital access is central to every aspect of student life — from coursework and collaboration to research, communication, and entertainment. Campuses now operate like small cities, supporting thousands of devices and constant online activity. With this digital expansion comes a growing responsibility to ensure that internet access is not only fast and reliable, but also safe and secure.


At Friendly WiFi, our mission is to support organisations in providing public Wi-Fi that meets recognised online safety standards. For colleges and universities, this is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s essential. That’s why we’ve partnered with DNSFilter, a leader in AI-powered DNS threat protection, to bring a proactive, intelligent solution to higher education institutions across the UK and beyond.


Why Cyber Safety Matters in Higher Education


Universities are data-rich environments. From student records to academic research, personal devices to institutional servers, higher education is increasingly a target for cyberattacks. Institutions must contend with:


  • Phishing and credential theft

  • Ransomware attacks

  • Cryptojacking

  • Malicious domain hijacking

  • Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content


The challenge is compounded by the open nature of university Wi-Fi networks. Unlike corporate environments, campuses must accommodate thousands of users connecting from personal laptops, tablets, phones, and gaming devices — many of which may not have updated antivirus protection.


Adding to the complexity is the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) culture, along with students moving between physical campuses and remote locations, all requiring seamless access to online services.


This open and dynamic environment calls for real-time, cloud-based threat protection — which is precisely what DNSFilter delivers.


How DNSFilter Protects Higher Education Networks


DNSFilter acts as a protective shield at the DNS level — the layer where internet requests are translated into website destinations. Instead of waiting for a threat to reach a user’s device, DNSFilter proactively blocks access to known and emerging threats before they load, using machine learning and real-time domain analysis.


Key Benefits:


Real-Time Threat Detection

DNSFilter identifies and blocks access to malicious domains instantly, including phishing websites, botnets, malware distribution channels, and more — even if the domain is brand new.


Customisable Content Filtering

Institutions can implement category-based filtering to block access to adult content, violence, illegal activity, and non-educational sites, helping support campus policies and safeguarding students.


No Hardware Required

As a cloud-based solution, DNSFilter integrates directly with existing network infrastructure — fast deployment, no physical equipment, and remote policy control from a central dashboard.


Off-Campus Protection

DNSFilter’s roaming client protects devices wherever they connect, supporting hybrid learning models and safeguarding staff and students off-campus.


Compliance and Reporting

Detailed reporting tools help IT teams monitor and demonstrate compliance with safety standards like the UK’s Online Safety Act or safeguarding protocols for further education.


Real-World Success: Indiana Wesleyan University


With over 10,000 students, Indiana Wesleyan University needed a modern solution to protect its large and growing network. By switching to DNSFilter, the university achieved:


  • Greater visibility into threats and usage patterns

  • Streamlined deployment and policy enforcement

  • Reduced manual effort for IT staff

  • Safer, filtered access for all users across campus


This kind of transformation highlights how DNS-based protection can make a real impact on security, usability, and trust in digital infrastructure — even in high-traffic academic environments.


Supporting Hybrid and Remote Learning


The education landscape has changed dramatically post-pandemic. Many institutions now offer flexible learning environments, meaning students and staff access resources from homes, cafés, or public spaces. DNSFilter ensures that protection travels with the user, offering:


  • Consistent policy enforcement across locations

  • Device-level filtering for remote learners and faculty

  • Safe access to educational platforms and resources, even outside campus firewalls


This roaming security feature is especially valuable in supporting digital inclusion — allowing all users to participate safely, wherever they are.


Why Friendly WiFi Certification Matters


DNS protection is a core technical safeguard, but for universities and colleges, public trust and visual assurance also matter. That’s where the Friendly WiFi certification comes in.


By becoming a certified venue, institutions can display the Friendly WiFi badge — a trusted symbol recognised by parents, students, and the wider public. It confirms that:


  • Wi-Fi meets minimum filtering standards

  • Users are protected from viewing indecent or harmful content

  • The institution is aligned with government and industry-backed online safety expectations


For prospective students and families, especially in international or younger age groups, this badge is a powerful differentiator.


Getting Started Is Simple


The path to certification with Friendly WiFi and implementation of DNSFilter is straightforward:


  1. Assessment & Audit: We work with you to evaluate your current Wi-Fi network and filtering setup.

  2. DNSFilter Integration: We help you implement DNSFilter’s cloud-based filtering and threat protection.

  3. Certification: Once compliance is confirmed, your campus is awarded the Friendly WiFi badge.

  4. Ongoing Support: Annual re-certification, periodic testing, and updates ensure long-term safety.


There are no hidden fees or hardware requirements. Whether you’re a large university with multiple campuses or a specialist college with smaller IT teams, the process is scalable and supported from start to finish.


Reinforcing Digital Safety in Education


The combination of Friendly WiFi’s trusted certification and DNSFilter’s intelligent threat protection gives educational institutions a powerful toolkit to defend against cyber threats and maintain a safe digital learning environment.


In an era where digital confidence is critical to education, campuses that prioritise online safety can expect:


  • Improved safeguarding outcomes

  • Enhanced brand reputation

  • Increased user trust and satisfaction

  • Reduced security incidents and IT strain

  • Greater compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks


Let’s Build a Safer Campus Network — Together


If you represent a university, college, or educational organisation, now is the time to take action. Digital safety is no longer optional — it's an expectation.


Friendly WiFi and DNSFilter are working together to provide a simple, scalable, and future-ready solution for higher education. Our partnership ensures that campus Wi-Fi is not just available, but responsible, safe, and trusted by all who use it.


To learn more about the benefits of certification and how DNSFilter can protect your users, visit www.friendlywifi.com and get in touch with our team today.

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