Sophos XG fails SWGfl Filter Test

[lafleur1977]

Hello,

 

We have a Sophos XG firewall used for web filtering on our network, setup by our ISP recently.

 

I ran a filtering test on https://swgfl.org.uk/services/test-filtering/ which tests the categories being blocked and gives you a result at the end. Unfortunately ours fails on the Offensive Language Filter Test:

 

 

Strangely on our XG firewall I can't see a category named similarly that would relate. Has anyone else noticed this on their XG?

 

Thanks

[mrwoberts]

Didn't know about that test-filtering link, thanks for that

 

Interestingly, I don't see the offensive language test, no matter which target group I select.

[lafleur1977]

Glad I could share it There is another one too specifically for sophos - sophostest.com and it lists a category called tasteless and offensive (allowed when I chick it) but on the firewall I can't see the category.

 

So your only seeing the first 3 on the swgfl test? Thats odd. I've raised the issue with our ISP anyway, took a bit of explaining to them, and they are looking into it now with Sophos directly.

[ReBoot]

I think the answer to this is that the Sophos XG does not perform dynamic content scanning to identify and block pages with offensive words/phrases. Out of the box there are no weighted word/phraselists comparable to what you will see on Smoothwall.

 

This is a characteristic of the Sophos appliance and there isn't much you can do about it other than add you're own banned word list but then you have the issue of compiling the list and keeping it up to date with current trends.

 

The Smoothwall test page probably includes banned words from their phraselists to test the content scanning.

 

If you want this level of protection you probably need to look at Smoothwall.

Edited September 27, 2020 by ReBoot

[localzuk]

Please take into account that SWGfL aren't an independent third party here... They sell Internet connectivity and filtering. So take what they say with a pinch of salt.

[snagrat]

Please take into account that SWGfL aren't an independent third party here... They sell Internet connectivity and filtering. So take what they say with a pinch of salt.

 

Although previously correct, nowadays SWGfL do not sell internet connectivity or filtering.

[localzuk]

Although previously correct, nowadays SWGfL do not sell internet connectivity or filtering.

Odd, as they still advertise it... https://swgfl.org.uk/services/schools-internet-service/

[Boredguy]

All our invoices have moved services directly across to RM now instead of SWGfL with our recent contract upgrade

[lafleur1977]

All our invoices have moved services directly across to RM now instead of SWGfL with our recent contract upgrade

 

Just out of interest, which area of the country do SWGfl originate? I am assuming it means South West...?

 

What filtering do they provide with their internet?

 

Thanks

[snagrat]

Just out of interest, which area of the country do SWGfl originate? I am assuming it means South West...?

 

What filtering do they provide with their internet?

 

Thanks

 

Well they don’t provide it anymore so it goes to RM. and then they provide RM SafetyNet.

 

And yes, means South West.