Surf Control 5.5 manual Introduction, Guidelines for Rule Creation

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7

RULES ADMINISTRATOR

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This chapter explains how you use individual objects to build up rules that help you enforce your Acceptable Use Policy. This will enable you to configure rules more accurately and precisely, to meet your organization’s requirements. The rule object tabs are only visible if you have selected the default Advanced view in the Rules Administrator. If you cannot see the Object tabs below the Rules panel, select Advanced from the View menu.

To open the Rules Administrator, from the Web Filter Manager, select Content Protection > Rules Administrator from the appropriate collector or database in the Navigation tree. The Rules Administrator is also available from the Start > All Programs > SurfControl Web Filter menu.

There are three types of rules:

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

Disallow - This type of rule uses negative filtering to deny access.

Allowance - This rule type 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 thisthese limits hasve been reached, access is blocked.

GUIDELINES FOR RULE CREATION

For best results, Surfcontrol recommends following these guidelines:

Place rules to be applied to individual or small groups near the top of the list. This is because rules are processed from the top of the list downwards.

Use When and Allowance objects carefully. Use reports such as Protocol Data Analysis or Protocol Time Analysis to narrow down who these rules should apply to, before creating them. See the SRC Administrators Guide for more details.

Keep the number of rules to a minimum, to ensure the maximum efficiency of Web Filter.

Create, test and activate any global rules you create before creating user or group specific rules.

Ensure that only one person modifies rules at a time.

Ensure that the Monitor recognizes user names, to enable user based filtering.

Ensure auto-categorization is turned on in the Web Filter Service Settings Advanced tab. This is worth checking if a destination specific rule is not working.

56 Administrator’s Guide

SurfControl Web Filter v5.5

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Surf Control 5.5 manual Introduction, Guidelines for Rule Creation

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.