WEB FILTER SETTINGS

Protocol Signatures Tab

9

PROTOCOL SIGNATURES TAB

The Protocol Signatures tab gives you the ability to enable signature scanning for certain Instant Messenger, P2P and Web accelerator protocols. These protocols can establish connections with other devices outside your corporate network, on a range of different ports, and are therefore known to be port- agile. Web Filter monitors these protocols on specified static ports by default. If you enable protocol signature scanning, these protocols will also be monitored by signature.

Caution: Enabling Protocol Signature Scanning may have an impact on the performance of your Web Filter server.

After selecting Enable Protocol Signature Scanning, you can choose a type of scanning method to detect the Skype protocol:

Detect Skype on all ports - This option is selected by default, and enables Web Filter to detect the Skype protocol by signature on all ports. This option provides a higher level of protection but increases the risk of falsely identifying other traffic as Skype. This option is recommended by SurfControl.

Detect Skype on standard ports only (HTTP, HTTPS) - The Skype protocol will be detected by signature on ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) only. This scanning method provides a lower level of protection, but decreases the risk of falsely identifying other traffic as Skype. To identify all possible Skype connections, you must ensure other ports are managed by your firewall.

A full list of protocols which can be monitored by signature, are outlined in the table below:

Table 9-1Signature scanning protocols

Application Type

Protocols

Instant Messaging

MSN Messenger

 

OSCAR (AIM/ICQ)

 

XMPP (Jabber)

 

 

 

Peer to Peer (P2P)

BitTorrent

 

eDonkey

 

FastTrack (Kazaa)

 

Gnutella

 

Skype

 

Yahoo! Messenger

 

 

 

Web

Google Web Accelerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

SurfControl Web Filter v5.5

Administrator’s Guide 107

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Surf Control 5.5 manual Protocol Signatures TAB, Application Type Protocols

5.5 specifications

Surf Control 5.5 is a robust web filtering and security software designed for organizations seeking comprehensive internet safety and enhanced productivity. With the increasing reliance on the internet for business operations, it becomes imperative to utilize tools that not only ensure secure browsing but also improve workplace efficiency. Surf Control 5.5 offers a range of features that cater to these needs effectively.

One of the standout features of Surf Control 5.5 is its powerful web filtering capabilities. The software employs a robust categorization system that classifies websites into various categories such as social media, gambling, adult content, and more. This allows administrators to set policies that restrict access to non-work-related sites, leading to improved employee focus and reduced distractions during work hours.

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In conclusion, Surf Control 5.5 is an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their internet security and workplace efficiency. With its advanced web filtering, customizable policy management, real-time protection, and comprehensive reporting features, it offers a holistic approach to internet safety in the modern workplace. Organizations leveraging this software can expect to see a significant improvement in productivity and a reduction in exposure to online risks.