Internet Content Filtering FAQ

What is MOREnet's Internet Content Filtering?

MOREnet's Internet Content Filtering powered by SmartFilter Bess Edition is a package that allows each participating organization to control the flow of web traffic out of its network. With this software, an administrator can block access to different filtered categories as well as disallow certain specific URLs and file types.

MOREnet offers two different varieties of filtering: MOREnet-hosted and member-hosted.

MOREnet-hosted filtering is set up so that the organization has control over setting up filters, overrides and different allow and block lists, but MOREnet manages the hardware and software and can troubleshoot problems.

Member-hosted filtering allows the organization to have complete control over all hardware and software since it is all installed on hardware owned by each organization. MOREnet can assist in troubleshooting problems.

Does anything have to be installed on workstations?

MOREnet-hosted: Nothing is installed on any workstation.

Member-hosted: While nothing is installed on any workstation, members must have a server with SmartFilter filtering software installed.

How does SmartFilter filter?

SmartFilter filters websites based on technology tools and human review. SmartFilter also allows the administrator to enter specific keywords that will be searched in URLs and blocked if found. SmartFilter does not block keywords in text and therefore there is the possibility that offensive or questionable language may be found in search results returned by search engines. However, the URL it links to will most likely still be blocked. No filter is 100% effective in blocking websites.

Will SmartFilter filter e-mail?

SmartFilter only filters web traffic. Webmail could potentially be affected, depending on what filters are set up. Any traffic other than port 80 (HTTP) will not be filtered by SmartFilter.

Who decides what is filtered?

A minimum level of filtering using the Criminal Skills, Hacking, Hate Speech, Pornography, Sex Materials and Violence categories will be configured by MOREnet Technical Support. The category selection can then be changed at any time by the organization.

Each organization can set up its own filters and decide what to block and what to allow. The vendor maintains a large database that contains URLs separated into different categories to be blocked. These categories are dynamic lists and are updated daily.

How can I find out if a URL is being filtered?

You can use the URL checker at http://www.securecomputing.com/sfwhere/index.cfm.

How can I request a URL to be blocked/unblocked?

Enter the URL into the URL checker at http://www.securecomputing.com/sfwhere/index.cfm. Follow the instructions to request a review.

What if I have configured two filters for the same IP address?

The least restrictive filter will always take precedence over any others if there is a conflict.

Can I override a block to allow access?

Yes. An administrator with an override ID and password is able to allow any workstation to override a block that is in place. When an override is issued, the length of time is also specified.

What types of reports are available?

MOREnet-hosted: Currently, weekly and daily reports are available. Reports are sent to the organization's designated administrator via e-mail, either nightly or every Sunday night. If a member needs specific information, MOREnet Technical Support can get the information from the reports.

For more information, see MOREnet-hosted Internet Content Filtering Reporting Options.

Member-hosted: The administrator has full access to the SmartFilter reports server and can run whatever reports he/she wishes.

I use NAT on my network; will this affect my filtering performance?

MOREnet-hosted: NAT should not interfere with SmartFilter's actual filtering function in any way. However, since all traffic will appear to come from one IP address, this will affect how SmartFilter reports information. In addition, when an override is used, the entire network will be unfiltered instead of just one IP address.

Member-hosted: NAT should not have an impact.

For more information on NAT's interaction with SmartFilter, see the following page at http://www.more.net/services/filter/morenet.html#nat.

I've already got an Internet filtering system in place; can I run both mine and SmartFilter?

For filtering to work properly, only one filtering product should be run at a time.

What happens if the filtering server fails?

MOREnet-hosted: MOREnet has configured each server to "fail open." Fail open means that, should a server stop functioning, Internet access will continue to function normally. However, it will not be filtered until the server is running properly.

Member-hosted: This option can be configured by each organization as it sees fit.

What are custom categories?

Custom categories give administrators the ability to create their own filtering criteria. This ability allows administrators to create custom lists of websites and keywords that can be blocked or allowed and can be tailored to each organization.

On the MOREnet-hosted solution, why can I see other organizations' custom categories?

Due to the way the software was designed, all organizations can see every custom category created, no matter who creates them. However, these custom categories do not affect other sites unless specifically enabled, which is not recommended.

On the MOREnet-hosted solution, what is the difference between N2H2 Bess and SmartFilter?

The interface and configuration processes are the same with the upgrade to SmartFilter. The notable difference between N2H2 and SmartFilter is in the categorization of sites. N2H2 has approximately 40 set categories, while SmartFilter uses over 70 set categories. More information about SmartFilter's control list can be found at http://www.securecomputing.com/index.cfm?skey=86. Information specific to the category changes from N2H2 to SmartFilter can be found at http://www.securecomputing.com/pdf/sf_4x_ug_cl.pdf.