FIS - Internet Filters - How they Work

Types of Internet Filtering and How they work:

Inline Server Side Filtering Back
Filtering that is performed at the ISP before it reaches your PC. Filtering is done "inline", that is, the filter is placed between your computer and your internet connection. No browser settings are required. It filters all requests for information from the internet. This filtering can not be turned off.

Inline Filtering. (Provided by some ISP's)
Pros: No software to install or configure, filter is Immediately active, and always on
Cons: Can not configure for different ages or users, no override for erroneously blocked sites

Client / Server Side S4F Filtering Back
Filter has a client side and server side component. Client side "agent" is installed on your PC.The agent monitors all requests to the internet. When a request is made for a web page, agent sends the URL request to the server side database. Database returns whether the site is okay or not. If okay, you're connected through your ISP connection; otherwise a block message is displayed.

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Client / Server (by FC S4F)
Pros: Professionally maintained database of sites to block. Configurable for different users/ages; allows password protected override if desired; No proxy involved, so no slowdown in browsing speed, (good for Cable, DSL etc).
Cons: Not active until installed

Proxy Server Filtering Back
Filtering that is performed at the ISP, by a proxy server. This is accomplished by setting your browser to direct all requests for internet information through the proxy server instead of directly to the Internet. The proxy server filters the requests, and returns sites that are not on the filter block list. This type of filtering can be turned off by setting the browser to directly connect to the internet instead of connecting through the proxy.

Proxy Filtering -
Pros: Works on Macs and PC's
Cons: All content is served from the proxy often slowing connection speed; Proxy settings must be locked into the browser. (Generally software is provided to lock the browser)

PC Side Filtering (Software) Back
Filtering that is performed at the PC by software you install on your PC.
For More on methodologies (ie.e white lists or black lists), click here

Heuristic Analysis
Cyber-Sentinel: Quickly analyzes the website seeking known design techniques used by adult site operators to identify adult oriented content. Has the benefit of allowing the filter to examine the keyboard and monitor input whether coming from the internet, or originating at the PC. This allows both restrictions on predatory phrases that lure children to cyberpredators,and allows you to define restricted information that can not be sent over the internet, such as phone numbers, addresses, or other personal information you would not want children to divulge. Stealth mode; Can capture violation and email you.

Kidsnet uses an "Approved List" to create a safe online world. Access is allowed only to prescreened sites.

More info on We-Blocker
Pros: Good customization options
Cons: Not active until installed and properly configured; With We-Blocker, users help find sites that need to be blocked.

Pros: Visible or Stealth Mode, can capture violations, can email you with violations
Con: Works from proprietary database which profiles adults sites, Does not work off an updated URL database; can not block by categories, (i.e. illegal, drugs).
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