Peer to Peer Magazine

www.iltanet.org 72 Peer to Peer mEmBER RESOURCES I see a few discussions in the archives about which Web filters firms are using, but i'm hoping to hear about what exactly you are blocking with them. i'm trying to get a feel for whether we are on target with our current implementation. We currently filter out a number of categories including the sites that present security issues (phishing, malware, hacking info), sites that can lead to HR issues (porn, hate, personals), illegal activities, p2p and IM. In addition, to keep bandwidth utilization under control, we restrict access to streaming media sites (YouTube, Hulu, etc.) during normal office hours. We also block certain content types, such as .exe files, to prevent unintentional software installations. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule that gets implemented as the need justifies. For example, if an attorney is working on a case regarding a YouTube video, he can be granted YouTube access. I find that the streaming media blocks are the most problematic from an administrative standpoint. They easily require the most exceptions due to the large number of sites that embed YouTube videos and such. What do you block? Have any particular categories caused you (or your users) heartburn? from a survey that was conducted among the subscribers to the Risk Management E-Group, the following comments were provided: We only block porn, known malware/spyware sites, and • advertising popups and banners. We block everything for staff, but attorneys can have access • to non-adult streaming sites such as XMRadio. Facebook and similiar ilk are blocked but can be given temporary access if they provide a client matter number for billable casework. Skype is a case by case basis. We allow it, when needed, but shut it off when that need has passed. An example of such a need is an attorney teaching a CLE course from his desk. We monitor all of the below on a daily basis and speak to the • heaviest users of all of those. After such intervention, use of those sites drops precipitously. The only things we actively block are malicious/suspicious sites and gambling. We block porn, hate sites, gun sites and spam sites; everything • else is permitted. Overheard on E-Groups, Too A subscriber to our Risk Management E-Group recently inquired: Several firms responded in detail on which sites they block, throttle or monitor: 46 72 97 100 130 135 160 180 350 -- -- Number of attorneys facebook mySpace LinkedIn Other Skype Browser-Based Games Im Internet radio Streaming audio Streaming Video Personal E-mail Shopping auctions app-Based Games Blocked Monitoring Throttled

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