Internet content adaptation protocol definition
Internet content adaptation protocol (ICAP) refers to a protocol used for implementing content filtering and adaptation services in a network. It enables the integration of third-party applications, typically referred to as ICAP servers, to inspect and modify web content passing through network security devices, such as proxies.
While ICAP can be employed for tasks like content transformation to suit different devices, its primary role is to offload specific content processing tasks, such as virus scanning or content filtering, to external servers. While it’s not a security protocol, it can be integrated with security tools to inspect web content for potential threats, enhancing the security of a network.
See also: extensible authentication protocol, internet control message protocol
Internet content adaptation protocol benefits
- Enhanced security. It acts as an extra layer of security as it can scan web content for malware in real-time.
- Content filtering. It gives you control over what content your network users can access.
- Bandwidth savings. It reduces the amount of data transmitted over your network by compressing it. This not only speeds up webpage loading times but also saves bandwidth, resulting in cost savings for your organization.
- Customization. It allows you to adjust the network's content adaptation and filtering to meet the specific needs of your organization.
