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Domain Filtering Protection Levels and Content Categories

Abstract

Domain Filtering can classify content into 43 Content Categories based on the domain name and block access to specific content categories based on configuration. Preset Protection Levels make configuring Domain Filtering policy convenient.

Domain Filtering can classify web content into 43 Content Categories based on the domain name and block access to specific content categories based on configuration. Preset Protection Levels make configuring Domain Filtering policy convenient.

The 43 Content Categories are organized into eight Content Category Groups, allowing you to easily select the content categories to block. The eight Content Category Groups and the Content Catgeories that fall into each of them are listed in the expandable sections below.

Domain Filtering Protection Levels preselect applicable Content Category Groups to block based on the security and content access policy you desire. There are five Protection Levels as follows:

Domain Filtering Category Group - Malicious

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Malicious Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Malicious contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to Basic Protection, Safe Browsing , or High Productivity.

Malware

Websites related to malware distribution and communication. Malware is software designed to gain unauthorized access to a user’s computer. Some websites contain forums discussing methods of distribution. Some websites are specifically created to deliver malware. Test domain: http://malware-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Command and Control

Domains used for Command and Control of malware bots installed on the user’s computer. Also known as C2 or C&C – Command and Control establishes an unauthorized connection to a user’s computer. This usually happens when a user opens a phishing email or other infected resource, allowing the malicious actor to hijack the computer and execute their code. The malicious actor may also have access to the user’s data. Test domain: http://c2c-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Web spam or scam

Websites that advertise fake services, products, and other fraudulent schemes. These sites distribute unauthorized spam or solicit fraudulent schemes. Web spam is evasive and is usually distributed from zombie computers that act as proxies to deliver unauthorized emails, tricking the users into clicking malicious links that may contain fake services, products, or fraudulent schemes. Less malicious spam can be a distraction for your users. Test domain: http://spam-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Ransomware

Websites related to ransomware distribution and control. Ransomware is malicious software and techniques to encrypt or make critical data and systems inaccessible. Users are manipulated to submit remittances to regain access to data. Ransomware can be distributed as popups that require action from the user to avoid data loss, performance degradation, unauthorized distribution, or email. Test domain: http://ransomware-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Adware

Websites that distribute Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP) or Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA) and ads via Popups. PUP and PUA are typically distributed within 3rd party bundled software packages when a user installs other desired software. PUP or PUA are not innately malicious but can impact device performance or pose a security risk by installing root certificates that malicious actors can exploit. Test domain: http://adware-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Note

Does NOT include advertisement websites.

Cryptojacking

Websites used for Cryptojacking – unauthorized use of another user’s computer resources to mine cryptocurrencies. Cryptojacking is a class of malware distributed by phishing emails, adware, or infected websites. Some adverse effects of cryptojacking include performance degradation and increased data costs. Test domain: http://cryptojacking-test-domain.openvpn.com/

DGA

Random domains are generated using the DGA method to escape detection and establish coordinated attacks. DGA stands for Digital Generating Algorithm. This malware cyber attack method generates fictitious domains to establish communication with a Command and Control server to control the device. The fictitious command servers are decommissioned and re-generated at new IP addresses to continue coordinated attacks. Test domain: http://dga-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Phishing

Websites that spoof the original site or contain phishing links. Fictitious domains are used to fool users into clicking malicious links. These sites can collect user data or infect the user’s device. Test domain: http://phishing-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Adult Content

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Adult Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Adult Content contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to Safe Browsing or High Productivity.

Pornography

Websites related to pornography or sexually explicit content (18+). Test domain: http://pornography-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Nudity

Websites, including Celebrity gossip websites, with a high percentage of nudity, swimwear, underwear, and intimate fashion apparel. It may include websites with Celebrities advertising swimwear, underwear, or intimate fashion apparel. Test domain: http://nudity-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Hate

Websites promoting intolerance based on gender, age, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or other group identities. Websites with content or references promoting violence or any form of discrimination based on a person's identity. Test domain: http://hate-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Adult

Websites with adult content that do not fall into other specific adult content categories. (e.g., pregnancy, abortion, LGBT, or other 18+ topics). Test domain: http://adult-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Swimsuits and underwear

Websites related to swimsuits and underwear. It may contain partial nudity. Test domain: http://swimsuits-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Sexuality

Websites related to sexuality and sex education. Test domain: http://sexuality-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Dating

Websites related to dating. It may contain sexual content. Test domain: http://dating-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Aggressive Content

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Aggressive Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Aggressive Content contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to either Safe Browsing or High Productivity.

Military

Websites related to the military. Test domain: http://military-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Hunting and fishing

Websites related to hunting and fishing. Test domain: http://hunting-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Weapons

Websites related to weapons (e.g. guns, knives, and Army memorabilia). Test domain: http://weapons-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Inappropriate

Websites related to crime, anorexia, suicide, profanity, or violence. Test domain: http://tasteless-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Contact sport

Websites related to contact sports (e.g., martial arts, WWE, and UFC). Test domain: http://contact-sport-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Alcohol, Tobacco, Illegal Drugs

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Alcohol, Tobacco, Illegal Drugs Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drugs contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to Safe Browsing or High Productivity.

Alcohol

Websites related to the military. Test domain: http://alcohol-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Tobacco

Websites related to tobacco, smoking, or cigarettes. Test domain: http://tobacco-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Illegal Drugs

Websites related to illegal drugs, selling illicit drugs, narcotics, or steroids. Test domain: http://drugs-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Hacking and Cracking

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Hacking and Cracking Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Hacking and Cracking contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to Safe Browsing or High Productivity.

Hacking and cracking

Websites related to hacking (e.g., cracking, stolen data, jailbreaking, etc). Websites related to hacking — unauthorized use of a user’s device or network. Websites associated with cracking-- the act of obtaining unauthorized access to a user’s device or network. Websites containing or forums discussing stolen data. Websites discussing jailbreaking-- the act of exploiting a system’s vulnerabilities to modify its functionality or sites discussing those techniques.Test domain: http://hacking-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Proxy/Anonymizers

Websites related to web proxy bypass and other web browsing restrictions. Test domain: http://proxy-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Warez (includes torrents)

Websites related to torrents, warez, software cracks, and pirated content. It may contain adult content for download. Test domain: http://warez-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Bandwidth-consuming

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Bandwidth-consuming Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The bandwidth-consuming domain filtering category group contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to High Productivity.

File storage

Websites that allow users to host their files for internal use or public sharing. Unauthorized file storage tools may compromise your company’s security. Test domain: http://file-storage-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Photo sharing

Websites and Image/video search engines that give the ability to host images and videos. Test domain: http://photo-sharing-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Streaming Movies & Video

Websites that host streaming audio and video and offer movies/series for download or online streaming. Test domain: http://movies-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Music

Websites related to streaming music, music magazines, lyrics, bands, musical instruments, and music downloads. Test domain: http://music-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Time stealers

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the 'time stealers' Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The 'time stealers' domain filtering category group contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to High Productivity.

Social Networks

Websites related to networking between people. Social Networking sites that do not fall into the job search category. Test domain: http://social-networks-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Cryptocurrency and mining

Websites related to cryptocurrency and crypto mining. Test domain: http://cryptocurrency-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Job search

Websites related to job offers, job search, HR software, job/resume tips, and freelancing job sites. Test domain: https://job-search-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Nonsense and time waste

Websites that host directories to viral jokes, humor, memes, movies, and other time-stealers. Unproductive websites that contain humorous or video content not related to your company's business goals. Test domain: http://nonsense-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Chat and Messengers

Websites that host chat applications and provide online communications capabilities. Test domain: http://chat-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Forums

Discussion and forum websites. Test domain: http://forums-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Classifieds/Auctions/Shopping

Websites related to second-hand sales, shopping, and online auctions. Test domain: http://classifieds-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Entertainment and Arts

Websites related to gossip, celebrity, humor, viral jokes, art, entertainment, and other time stealers. Test domain: http://entertainment-test-domain.openvpn.com/

News/Media

Websites related to news and newspapers. Websites with news media content. Test domain: http://news-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Webmail

Websites that offer to send and receive emails. Browser-based email systems. Test domain: http://webmail-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Real estate

Websites related to real estate or house rentals. These websites contain content about real estate availability, purchases, sales, or rentals. Test domain: http://real-estate-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Domain Filtering Category Group - Gambling and Games

Abstract

Describes the individual content categories that form the Gambling and Games Content Category Group, the preset mode that blocks them, and how to test the category blocking.

The domain filtering category group of Gambling and Games contains the content categories listed below. This entire content category group is blocked when the Protection Level of Domain Filtering is set to High Productivity.

Gambling

Websites related to gambling and betting.Test domain: http://gambling-test-domain.openvpn.com/

Games

Websites related to and providing computer or online games and information about them. Test domain: http://games-test-domain.openvpn.com/

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