Barracuda Networks has announced that its new Web Filter is embedded with remote filtering capabilities, to enable protection of Windows desktop and laptop computers even when being used outside the office or corporate network.
The company said that the new Windows client Web Security Agent (WSA), works in conjunction with the Web Filter to enforce consistent Web security policy across localised and distributed workforces without the need to invest in or manage additional offerings.
The Web Filter includes a policy engine that enables policy management and activity reporting for remote users in the same way it does for users on the organisation’s network.
Policies include built-in content and application categories and help to control access to specific domains by creating allow and block lists.
Administrators can also specify URL patterns using the UNIX regular expression syntax as well as restrict downloading files from the Internet based on MIME types, such as executables, streaming media or videos.
Barracuda Networks said that the Web Filter also enables forensic analysis by way of detailed logs and reports on Internet activity.
Reports can be generated on users’ Web browsing activity, by domains and content categories, by time spent online, or by bandwidth consumption.
In addition, the Web Security Agent supports "application whitelisting" to restrict network traffic from any applications not specified by IT administrators, preventing their unauthorised use.
All policy settings specific to the Web Security Agent can be centrally managed for all clients from within the Web Filter administrative interface.
Barracuda Networks vice president of product management Stephen Pao said that with these new capabilities, Web Filter customers will be able to protect all the users at no additional charge and with no per user fees.
