RULES ADMINISTRATOR

What Objects

7

Filtering IM, P2P and Web Protocols by signature

The Instant Messsaging and Chat (IM) Peer 2 Peer (P2P) and Web Accelerator protocols in the table below are port-agile. If a connection fails (for example, due to a disallow rule) on the default port, these applications will attempt to use another available port. Enabling Protocol Signature Scanning from the Protocol Signatures tab in the Web Filter Settings will ensure that these protocols are filtered when the protocols use non-default ports. See "Protocol Signatures Tab" on page 107 for further details.

When adding an Instant Messaging and Chat, Peer to Peer (P2P) or Web Protocol and Port object to a rule, the Rules Administrator will only filter the following protocols by signature:

Table 7-4Signature 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Protocol signature scanning will filter direct HTTP connections and HTTP proxy connections. It will not filter when connecting via a SOCKS proxy.

PRECISE BANDWIDTH CONTROLS OBJECT

With Precise Bandwidth Control, you can accurately define what content you want to allow or block. By creating rules with Precise Bandwidth Controls, you can block pages or files that contain precise prefixes, suffixes, or word patterns. These rules operate by identifying the contents within the URL rather than just the top level domain name.

Precise Bandwidth Control objects are “if” statements, which means that if you apply more than one Precise Bandwidth Control object to a rule, the rule will be triggered when any combination of the objects are met. For example, a disallow rule which has precise bandwidth control objects of Audio files and Video Files assigned to it, will block an attempt to access web pages that contain audio files or video files or both.

Note: If a Category object is assigned to a rule containing Precise Bandwidth Controls, a destination will only be blocked if it is within the category AND the URL triggers one or all of your Precise Bandwidth Controls.

SurfControl Web Filter v5.5

Administrator’s Guide 73

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Surf Control 5.5 manual Precise Bandwidth Controls Object, Filtering IM, P2P and Web Protocols by signature

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.