Blocking Proxy Servers

[quiet_andy]

We have an issue at school and a lot of the children are using Proxy servers to bypass the Internet security to access sites which they are not meant to. SMT have decided they want to take action and block the proxy servers. As new servers with new names seem to pop up every minute, I was just wondering what methods people use successfully? Also does anyone know of any good software to help, it is on an RM CC3 network.

 

Thanks

 

Andrew

[kmount]

What are you using for your internet filtering currently?

[quiet_andy]

Sorry, I meant to add that, it runs through the CLEO network and they do all the blocking, will try to find out what they use.

[kmount]

Might be worth a look / post in the Edugeek CLEO forum here fella.

 

Hopefully someone in there will have experience of putting something like a Smoothwall appliance or so in to help you fight the good fight.

 

Welcome to Edugeek btw

[featured_spectre]

if you can, set up a seperate box with server 2003 and run ISA, or put ubuntu server on and run dansguardian.

[Sylv3r]

We had issues with proxy sites until we purchased a Smoothwall UTM. Don't think i've seen a proxy site accessed since!

[john]

I would suggest a nice Smoothwall UTM appliance to solve your problems, there are many users of it on here, including some within CLEO. SmoothWall | Network Security, Web Content Filtering, Firewall, VPN, Anti-Spam and QoS is the website.

 

This has some case studies of UK Schools that have it:

SmoothWall | Company » Testimonials

[Andrew_C]

Seems a recent enough thread to add this gem I found while Stumbleing:- Unblock your favorite websites with Firefox

 

Not knowing the ins-and-outs, I don't know if Smoothy is the answer, but I suspect it is.

[link470]

I personally use the Barracuda Web Filter 310, newest firmware blocks HTTPS traffic as well. Plus when you can make custom block pages with the "I see what you did there" lawlcat, kids almost TRY to go to a blocked site so they can see the image and laugh.

 

Only down side is the Barracuda Web Filter and Energy Updates for one year are not cheap. About $500 US for Energy Updates for a year, and the actual unit was around $2000 when I purchased it.

[tom_newton]

Thanks for the vote of confidence guys

We'll get them nailed alright - including the HTTPS ones (which we actively filter, by content and not URL). Give me a call monday if you like - I can give you the lowdown.

[a_monkey_hint]

I've subscribed to this:

http://www.peacefire.org/circumventor/

 

I usually get 5-10 emails a week with new proxy sites to block (obviously designed for students) but allows me to get one step ahead of the game.

[ricki]

Hi

 

I agree smooth wall is good but if you cannot afford it sey up a linux box with squid and dansguardian and iy will work.

 

Richard