About SmartFilter

What is SmartFilter?

SmartFilter software, included with NetCache, enables you to deny your users access to Web sites that contain objectionable content. SmartFilter identifies Web sites whose HTTP content matches SmartFilter content categories and includes lists of those sites in its control files. The sites that SmartFilter actually blocks depends on the categories you select when you set up content blocking for your organization.

SmartFilter categories represent content categories considered objectionable in the context of a standard business or educational environment. SmartFilter categories include chat, criminal skills, drugs, entertainment, gambling, games, hate speech, humor, investments, politics, sex, sports, and more. For a full list of supported SmartFilter content categories for each SmartFilter version, see the Appliance Manager online Help by selecting Setup tab > Access Control > SmartFilter.

Automated tools continuously search the Internet for new sites and pages that meet the criteria for exclusion as designated by SmartFilter categories. Secure Computing control list technicians typically review all potential candidates for exclusion before they are added to the control lists.

Only one content filtering method can be enabled

SmartFilter is one of two content filtering methods that NetCache provides. You can only enable one method at a time. Therefore, if you enable SmartFilter, you cannot enable WebWasher DynaBLocator at the same time.

Obtaining a SmartFilter subscription

To use the SmartFilter feature on NetCache, you must first purchase a subscription to the SmartFilter control list by contacting ibg@netapp.com or your sales representative. You will receive a user name and password and an FTP address from which you can download the SmartFilter control files. Be sure to indicate the version of SmartFilter that you want to use.

Evaluating SmartFilter

If you want to evaluate SmartFilter before determining whether to purchase a subscription, you can do so by filling out the SmartFilter evaluation form on the NOW Web site at http://now.netapp.com/. After you complete the evaluation form, you will receive instructions about how to obtain the SmartFilter control files. Then follow the instructions in SmartFilter configuration overview to set up this NetCache appliance for SmartFilter content blocking service.