Internet Filtering basics Page 1 of 2

Internet Filtering basics

By Alex Polling

Our body is made so that it perceives only certain kinds of information. For example, our eyes
detect photons of wavelength between 400 and 700 nanometers, and everything out of this range
passes by us, remaining undetectable. In that way, we can’t hear some sounds that can be heard by
CyberSieve
animals or using special equipment. The process of evolution selected these kinds of information as
the most important for our survival, and everything else is filtered out. But with the Internet things are
a bit different. It has grown too fast and we do our best trying to cope with large amounts of
information, most of which we may not need at all. And what’s more important, there is a lot of
information that contains offensive, "inappropriate," or "objectionable" material. This material can fall
into different categories, but the point is that we need to filter it out using filtering software, as we Download and
want to enjoy using the Internet and to feel safe about our kids enjoying it. monitor web sites
A filter is a kind of software program that prevents one from viewing objectionable material on the
Internet. Actually, it does two things. The first thing it does is it rates or categorizes web sites using
different kinds of distinctions and algorithms. Second, based on the security level of the current user, iProtectYou
it decides whether to block the requested material or not.

There are a few kinds/features of filtering.

 URL filtering. Blocks URLs containing inappropriate or blacklisted words.

 Keyword blocking. The software uses a predefined list of keywords that it considers offensive or
inappropriate. Before the requested material is passed to a user, the software searches it for any of Download and
the keywords from the list and blocks the content. control web sites
 Web-sites blocking. Blocks entire web-sites or some parts of these web-sites based on a blacklist
(list of blocked sites) drawn up by companies. Most software vendors do not allow their users to see
the list of blocked sites, they consider it a secret but you can add new or exclude existing sites from Chronager
their list.
 Protocol blocking. Since we use not only the web, but also Instant Messaging or newsgroups,
filters provide IM blocking, FTP blocking, email blocking, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) blocking.
 Dynamic Categorization. Uses smart algorithms to decide whether the content is appropriate or
not based on the content of web page. This kind of categorization is smarter than keyword blocking,
which may filter out totally appropriate content containing objectionable keywords in an appropriate Download and
context. schedule web sites
 Image Recognition. Filters inappropriate graphical images. Filtering of inappropriate graphical
images requires a lot of computer time and because of this it is mostly not used in today’s filters.
 Newsgroup filtering. There can be simple newsgroup filters which block access to all or specific
newsgroups, but more flexible filters like CyberSieve allow you to restrict specific users to specific Read more about
groups or even to groups that fall into some “group pattern”. SoftForYou products

These are basics things that filtering software

does. In addition there are features that make
filtering software much more convenient and user
friendly. One of them is the e-mail notification
system. For instance, the notification system of
CyberSieve will send you e-mail messages when
any banned web site has been visited thus allowing
you to take action immediately.

Also in CyberSieve you can specify the

programs that can or cannot access the Internet.
For example, you can block Internet access for
peer-to-peer program and allow Internet access for
your email client. And it is also possible to restrict
specific users to only a few specified programs that
require Internet access. The latter makes
CyberSieve a truly family solution because each
user can be given specific restrictions and
privileges tailored to his or her age and needs etc.

http://www.softforyou.com/articles_tutorials/internet_filtering_basics.html 7/14/2009
Internet Filtering basics Page 2 of 2

One more useful feature of CyberSieve is that

not only users/groups can have different levels of
access, but you can also set limitations on Internet
traffic (the amount of data that can be sent or
received.) The access to the Internet can be
scheduled to specify days and times.

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