WebMarshal URL Filtering

Ability to control Web requests by URL is an essential part of an Acceptable Use Policy.

URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) are the basic way of naming and requesting Web content. A URL consists of a site name and the name of a page on the site.

Groups of URLS can be used to control access to particular types of content, such as:

• Auction sites
• Gambling sites
• Software manufacturers
• Schools and universities

By referring to ready-made lists or categories of URLs, a Web access management tool like WebMarshal can quickly decide if a request should be allowed.

How Does WebMarshal Categorize URLs?

WebMarshal allows you to use URL category information from a number of sources. These include:

• A commercial URL categorization service (Secure Computing's SmartFilter)
• WebMarshal's URLCensor, which checks DNS blacklists (for instance, lists of sites that are associated with Spam, phishing, and other malicious activity)
• WebMarshal's FileFilter, which allows you to import and automatically update lists of URLs from any source (through text files).

WebMarshal can also create URL categories itself, based on your users' activity, using TextCensor to check the actual content of pages.

You can enter exceptions and special cases to suit your local policy. With WebMarshal, you are never limited to someone else's idea of what is appropriate.