A Solid DNS Filter
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
We use Securly Filter in our K-8 educational institutions to keep students safe online from both active and passive online threats. Part of the challenge is ensuring a safe online experience for students using school-issued Chromebooks - both on AND off-campus. This is accomplished by an easy one-click install certificate. Securly Filter is therefore able to filter both on campus and off-campus, using Securly Filter DNS servers.We are easily able to set different keyword/category blocks and whitelists for both students, staff, and the administration using Securly Filter Google Classroom LDAP integration. By assigning different policies to different OUs, we can ensure each of our clients has the necessary access to online materials, while ensuring a baseline security policy. Securly Filter historical browsing logs have also proven useful in cases where a teacher or administrator has needed to review student online activities.
Pros
- Blocks objectionable content
- Customized profile management by OU.
- Logging
Cons
- Occasional issues with SSL conflicts
- Our smartboards do not function unless placed on guest (open) filtering.
- Better stability on Chrome OS
Likelihood to Recommend
Securly Filter is well-suited to educational environments with heavily customized internet filtering policies for multiple parties. For example, it may be desirable for teachers to have access to streaming sites such as Youtube. A policy can specify blanket access to sites or Securly Filter allows for temporary whitelisting (logged by the system). It is exceptional for compliance due to its extensive activity logging features. We have been asked on multiple occasions to provide browsing history logs for students in disciplinary proceedings. We have also received requests to monitor for online bullying, for which Securly Filter features some basic out of the box features. It is also reasonably priced and therefore financially suited to many smaller public or private schools.
