Content Filtering allows you to block or restrict websites and services based on categories (e.g., adult content, streaming media, social networking). This ensures your network stays aligned with your Acceptable Use Policies.

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Key Features

  • Category-Based Blocking Block access to large groups of undesirable sites (e.g., adult content, illegal activities).
  • SafeSearch & Restricted Mode Enforce Google SafeSearch, Bing SafeSearch, and YouTube Restricted Mode to filter out explicit material.
  • Filtering Avoidance Prevention Prevent access to known proxy or anonymizer domains.
  • Detailed Traffic Statistics Review logs and analytics to understand which categories or domains are being blocked.

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Creating a Content Filter Policy

1

Navigate to the Content Filter Policy Page

From your Altostrat Dashboard, go to Policies → Content Filtering. Click Add or + New to start creating a new policy.

Click Add or + New to start creating a new policy.

2

Configure the Policy Settings

Provide a Policy Name (e.g., “Block Adult & Streaming”).

  • Choose Categories: Select categories of undesirable sites. You can expand or collapse category groups to pick sub-categories.
  • SafeSearch Settings: Enable SafeSearch for Google and Bing search engines, and set YouTube Restricted Mode.
  • Custom Domains: Manually allow or block specific domains (e.g., whitelist your corporate site or blacklist known proxies).
3

Finalize & Apply the Policy

Click Save or Add. To apply it immediately:

  • Navigate to your Sites
  • Select a site
  • Under Content Filter Policy, choose the newly created policy

Allow a few moments for changes to propagate to the router. If the router is behind NAT, ensure the Management VPN is configured correctly.

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Editing a Content Filtering Policy

1

Open the Content Filter Policies Page

Navigate to Policies → Content Filtering in Altostrat.

2

Select the Policy

Click on the policy you want to edit to open its configuration pane.

3

Update Categories or Domains

Toggle categories on or off, adjust SafeSearch settings, or add/remove custom domains.

4

Save Changes

Changes will automatically propagate to any sites using this policy.

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Removing a Content Filtering Policy

Deleting a policy removes its configuration from any sites that use it. These sites will revert to having no content filter or fall back to a default policy if one exists.

1

Navigate to Content Filtering

Under Policies → Content Filtering, locate the policy you want to remove.

2

Delete the Policy

Select the policy, then click the Trash or Remove icon. Confirm your decision in the dialog box.

To completely disable Content Filtering on specific sites, either switch them to a different policy or remove their association with the feature entirely.

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Best Practices

  • Start Broad, Refine Gradually: Begin by blocking major content categories, then fine-tune with exceptions as needed.
  • Regularly Review Logs: Monitor which domains are being blocked or allowed, and adjust your policy accordingly.
  • Combine with Other Security: Implement a comprehensive approach by enabling Security Essentials.
  • Educate Users: Ensure employees and guests understand your Acceptable Use Policies to minimize confusion and resistance.

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