Chapter 2: Logging And Blocking; Web Access Logging; Instant Messaging, Peer-To-Peer Blocking; How Im And P2P Blocking Works - M86 Security IR Web Filter User Manual

Chapter 2: Logging and Blocking

Web Access Logging

One of the primary functions of the Web Filter is to log the
activity of users on the Internet. Information captured in the
Web Filter log files are transferred to the Enterprise
Reporter (ER) where they are "normalized" and then
inserted into a MySQL database. The Reporter client
reporting application accesses that database to generate
queries and reports.
NOTE: See the Enterprise Reporter User Guide for information
on configuring the ER.

Instant Messaging, Peer-to-Peer Blocking

The Web Filter has options for blocking and/or logging the
use of Instant Messaging and Peer-to-Peer services, and
makes use of Intelligent Footprint Technology (IFT) for
greatly increasing management and control of these
popular—yet potentially harmful—applications. This section
explains how to set up and use IM and P2P.

How IM and P2P Blocking Works

IM Blocking

Instant Messaging (IM) involves direct connections between
workstations either locally or across the Internet. Using this
feature of the Web Filter, groups and/or individual client
machines can be set up to block the use of IM services
specified in the library category.
When the IM module is loaded on the server, the Web Filter
compares packets on the network with IM libraries stored on
the Web Filter. If a match is found, the Web Filter checks the
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