Question

ISA Proxy web filtering software

Asked by: HIBS_ICT

Hi,

I am wondering if someone can recommend a web filtering service for ISA 2006. We have been using surf control for the past 6 or so years. But have always had issues with it. Its exactly what we want, but there are just so many issues. We are private school in wellington New Zealand with about 800 users including staff & students. We would like something:

- Filters Categories, Keywords and URLs
- Works well with ISA 2006
- Real-time Web monitoring
- Reporting

So pretty much the same as Surf control. Now websense has bought out surfcontrol, so Im hoping their web filtering is good.

If anyone who has experience or uses websence, or any other software that is similar to surf control could recommend something it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
HIBS

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Asked On
2009-03-25 at 15:38:34ID24265494
Tags

ISA 2006

,

Surf Control

,

Websense

,

Proxy

Topics

Proxy/Firewall Anti-Virus

,

MS Forefront-ISA

,

Security Utilities

Participating Experts
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Answers

 

by: pcandlerPosted on 2009-03-25 at 23:21:50ID: 23987727

We currently use Websense Enterprise (for at least 4 years) and have it set up in stand alone mode, but it does Integrate with ISA, but I can't comment on how well it does this.

We are able to set different filtering policies for students and staff based on groups they are in Active Directory. In fact individuals can be given full access or fully blocked if you so wish.

Filtering can also be based on the time of day, for example, you may want to allow students to play online games after hours, but not during school hours.

There are quite a few URL categories (See http://www.websense.com/content/URLCategories.aspx for detailed list) and you do have the flexibility to re-categories sites if you wish.  There is also custom lists that you create to place sites/keywords that you want to allow/block.

Inappropriate images can also be blocked when students use search engines like yahoo and google.

It does have real-time web monitoring.  Also you can set up Websense to send you an email if for example a student continually tries to access proxy avoidance sites.

It has a comprehensive  reporting component.  As long as you have the space to save the data.  For example, you can make a report on websites visited by an individual usage for a particular day.

The only criticism I have for Websense is the annual cost, but it is worth it.

Regards

Paul

 

by: keith_alabasterPosted on 2009-03-26 at 00:08:30ID: 23987883

GFI Web Monitor is likely the simplest - and proabably the cheapest. It also provides a great set of reporting options as a second download if you are buy their filter software.

 

by: HIBS_ICTPosted on 2009-03-26 at 13:31:25ID: 23994905

Thanks Paul & Keith, We are currently leaning towards websence, it sound's ecactly like surf control, hopfully just with out bugs, but i'll also look into GFI

Thanks


 

by: keith_alabasterPosted on 2009-03-26 at 13:46:32ID: 23995097

:)

 

by: ehabsalemPosted on 2009-03-29 at 02:00:34ID: 24011870

Websense integration with ISA is unmatched, but do not use ISA firewall client.
All what you need is there, however real time monitoring has been disabled in ver 7.

 

by: keith_alabasterPosted on 2009-03-29 at 02:13:25ID: 24011891

lol - I think everyone has their views - and these are often down to what we are used to using ourselves.

 

by: ehabsalemPosted on 2009-03-29 at 02:57:26ID: 24011980

Keith is right.
I did not try GFI, but Websense is better than smartfilter and surf control.

You can take a look at this link from GFI point of view:
http://www.portland.nl/brochures/gfi/comparison/webmon4_comparison_charts.pdf
(note that Websense Web Security Suite is not included)
Did not find a comparison from Websense POV.

 

by: HIBS_ICTPosted on 2009-03-30 at 18:49:03ID: 24025133

Would anyone recommend ditching the ISA server and using a Appliance ? At the moment we have is set up competly wrong, the ISA server is configured as an edge firewall but its in the middle of the network - if that makes sense - the server should be the only connection between the servers and the router but it's not... stupid i know.

Any way, is ISA the recommended way of doing things? or should i also look at Appliances? the only thing is i need to be able to enable / disable internet access in classrooms around the school, which is done via ISA using the FPC stuff

Any suggestions?
Cheers
Ryan

 

by: keith_alabasterPosted on 2009-03-30 at 22:53:49ID: 24025992

To be honest, it sounds like you are looking for a justification to get rid of ISA - if you don't know the product that maybe that is your argument to use. Yes, it is the recommended way (ISA comes as an appliance also if you want it to).

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