Surf Control 5.5 manual Basic Rule Configuration, Recommendations for Creating and Applying Rules

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BASIC CONFIGURATION

Basic Rule Configuration

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BASIC RULE CONFIGURATION

SurfControl Web Filter uses rules, which you can use to apply your Acceptable Use Policy to your users.

There are three types of rules:

Allow - Uses positive filtering to give access. This is the default setting for any new rule you create.

Disallow - Uses negative filtering to deny access.

Allowance - Uses a combination of positive and negative filtering to set up limits for internet access. The allowance value can either be time based (allowing access for a predefined time limit), or value based (allowing only a predefined amount of bandwidth to be consumed). Once these limits have been reached, access is blocked.

Rules are created and activated from the Rules Administrator, which you can access via the Web Filter Manager > Content Protection option for your collector or database, or from the Start > All Programs > SurfControl Web Filter menu. Web Filter rules consist of various objects which can be configured to suit your needs. To help you, the Rules Administrator comes supplied with some preconfigured rules. If you wish to implement any of these rules, all you have to do is activate them. You can do this in the following way from the Rules Administrator interface:

1Select the check box to the left of the rule you wish to activate, or right-click the rule you want to activate and select Active from the right-click menu.

2Click Commit to save the changes to your database.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CREATING AND APPLYING RULES

Before building your own rules, consider altering one of the preconfigured rules in the list. To examine the rule’s objects, select a rule and from the right-click menu, select properties. You can check how the rule objects have been used, and modify the settings for each one. For an in depth description of the various rule objects, see Chapter 7.

When applying rules keep the following in mind:

Rules are read sequentially and will not be overwritten by a rule that follows. The fewer rules you have, the more efficiently Web Filter will perform.

Rules are processed from the top of the list in the Rule Panel downwards. Rules which are applied to individuals or small groups should be placed near the top of the list.

NEVER set up a "Disallow, Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime" rule because it will block all access throughout your network. It is recommended that you test rules on a single machine before implementing a network-wide policy.

It is strongly recommended that only one user modifies rules in the Rules Administrator at any one time. This is to prevent any corruption of the database which will cause the Rules Administrator to crash, rendering it inoperable.

SurfControl Web Filter v5.5

Administrator’s Guide 13

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Surf Control 5.5 manual Basic Rule Configuration, Recommendations for Creating and Applying Rules

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.