Item: Sophos Web Content Filtering
Rating: 10
Author: Mitchel Laman

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Sophos Web Content Filtering on Sophos XG firewalls at my primary company of employment, as well as a local non-profit (school) I volunteer with. In both cases, we use the solution as one of the protective layers for Internet users. While we also use anti-x and EDR technologies to protect against threats, Sophos Web Content Filtering is an additive layer that also protects mobile and guest devices within our network.

Pros and Cons

Sophos does an excellent job of category-based content filtering. It's easy to configure and flexible for many environments with the ability to tighten or loosen restrictions as requirements determing.
Sophos' built-in capabilites can force safe search rules to protect against content work-arounds like Image search and search engines in general.
The Sophos XTreme architecture also helps improve the overall performance of the Web Content Filtering solution. It is very quick and very transparent when in use on the network.

While safe search enforcement in built-in and a useful tool (especially in environments where minors are to be protected), it is somewhat difficult to implement. Although documentation will easily walk one through setup, I suspect this will be remedied in upcoming releases of Sophos OS.

Most Important Features

Content Filtering by Category
Integration with our XG Firewall
HTTPS scanning

Return on Investment

Web Content Filtering is one of man layers in network security. The Sophos Web Content Filtering solution is SEAMLESS to our network and requires very little maintenance once configured properly and running.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco ASA 5500-X with FirePOWER Services, WatchGuard Network Security, Kaspersky Endpoint Security, Trend Micro Web Security and SonicWall TZ

Sophos competes well with other content filtering products. It's categorization is on par if not better than the competition. What stands out most for me is it's ability to integrate seamlessly with the Sophos XG and XDR and Endpoint solutions. Like most network security products, it's often best integration to stick with the same family and the Sophos solution is no different. Because of that, I feel the overall product offering from Sophos (outside of Content Filtering) is on-par with other solutions as well so it's a no-brainer if you use Sophos firewalls, Sophos Content Filtering is the best choice.

Key Insights

Do you think Sophos Web Content Filtering delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Sophos Web Content Filtering's feature set?

Yes

Did Sophos Web Content Filtering live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Sophos Web Content Filtering go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Sophos Web Content Filtering again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

The Web Content Filtering solution is a great fit for all environments. The ability to tighten or loosed restrictions, the category-based nature of the setup, the ability to create custom categories and specific site allowances makes this tool well suited for any network. Need something more granular? Sophos can do it. Need something a little less complicated? Sophos can handle that just as easily.

If Only Sophos Web Content Filtering Could Filter My Words...

Overall Satisfaction with Sophos Web Content Filtering