A company has asked the network administrator to restrict access to any websites with unauthorized material. Which of the following technologies would BEST accomplish this?

A content filter (also called a web filter or URL filter) evaluates outbound HTTP/HTTPS requests against a categorized database of websites and blocks those matching prohibited categories such as adult content, gambling, or malware. It is purpose-built for enforcing acceptable use policies by analyzing the actual content or URL being requested.

A packet filter operates on IP addresses and port numbers at Layer 3/4 - it cannot distinguish legitimate from unauthorized website content at the URL or category level.

An IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) detects and blocks attack signatures and malicious traffic patterns - it is not designed to enforce web content policies by category.

An IDS (Intrusion Detection System) only monitors and alerts on suspicious traffic - it does not block or restrict access to anything, including websites.