10 CUSTOM CATEGORIZATION

Using Custom Categorization

The Monitored Destinations panel shows the current list of destinations in the Monitor database. Click any of the column headings to sort by that data.

Destination - Shows the URL for a categorized destination.

Category - Shows the VCA category for the URL.

Categorization Method - The sources of categorization are as follows:

Company & Intranet - The destination is specified within the Categorization tab of the Web Filter settings as a company domain or Intranet site. ("Categorization Tab" on page 106).

Manual - The administrator has manually set the category of the site. The category could have been set to one of the SurfControl defined categories or a custom category. ("Category Object" on page 67).

SurfControl - The site was categorized from the SurfControl Internet Threat Database.

VCA - The destination was categorized by the Virtual Control Agent.

None - The site was not assigned a category.

Last Access - The date the destination was last visited.

The VCA / Manual Categorizations panel shows any destinations that have been re-categorized, either by the VCA or by yourself from the Monitored Destinations tab in the Web Filter Manager. See "Monitored Destinations tasks" on page 47 for more details on manually categorizing a destination originally set as ‘Uncategorized’.

Destination - Shows the URL for a categorized destination.

Page - Shows the page level information for the destination.

Category - Shows the VCA category for the destination.

Categorization Method - The sources of categorization are as follows:

Manual - The administrator has manually set the category of the destination. The category could have been set to one of the SurfControl defined categories or a custom category. (See "Category Object" on page 67 for more details).

VCA - The destination was categorized by the Virtual Control Agent.

Language - The language the destination was categorized in. See "VCA Settings Tab" on page 121 for details on the languages the VCA can categorize in.

Right-clicking any destination in the Monitored Destinations or VCA / Manual Categorizations panels launches a menu with the following options.

Categorize Selection - Perform a VCA run on the selected destination.

Set Category - Manually set the category from the SurfControl Category list.

Uncheck Selection - Removes the Checked status from a destination, which will then be checked again in a VCA run.

Remove Categorization - This option is only available in the VCA / Manual Categorizations panel. This removes the manual categorization of a destination.

Go To HTTP - Opens the selected site in a Web browser.

120 Administrator’s Guide

SurfControl Web Filter v5.5

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Surf Control 5.5 manual Using Custom Categorization

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.

Another significant characteristic of Surf Control 5.5 is its customizable policy management. Administrators have the flexibility to create specific access rules based on user roles, departments, or individual needs. This granular control ensures that employees can access the resources they need while maintaining an overall secure browsing environment.

Surf Control 5.5 leverages advanced technologies like real-time content analysis and URL filtering to provide instant protection against harmful websites. By analyzing web traffic in real-time, the software can block access to sites that are deemed unsafe or inappropriate, thus minimizing the risk of malware infections and data breaches.

In addition to web filtering, Surf Control 5.5 includes robust reporting and monitoring tools. These features allow administrators to track website usage patterns, identify potential security threats, and generate reports to analyze internet activities across the organization. This data is invaluable for making informed decisions regarding internet usage and policy adjustments.

Moreover, Surf Control 5.5 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its intuitive interface facilitates easy setup and management, enabling IT personnel to implement and oversee policies without extensive training. This ease of use, combined with its powerful features, makes Surf Control 5.5 an ideal choice for organizations of various sizes.

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.