Common filtering products used by schools, businesses, and ISPs. Detection above may not identify which one you’re on.
1. Cisco Umbrella (OpenDNS)DNS-level filtering. Your device sends domain names to Umbrella’s DNS; it returns block or allow. Often used with on-prem or cloud agents. Blocks by category and custom lists.
2. Fortinet FortiGate / FortiGuardFirewall and web filter in one. Traffic passes through the FortiGate; it inspects URLs and content, applies policies, and can SSL-inspect (decrypt and re-encrypt) HTTPS.
3. ZscalerCloud proxy. Traffic is sent to Zscaler’s cloud instead of directly to the internet. They filter by URL, app, and content. Common in enterprises and some schools.
4. Palo Alto NetworksNext-gen firewall with URL filtering and app control. Traffic is inspected at the firewall; blocks by application, URL category, and custom rules. Often does SSL decryption.
5. iBoss (formerly iboss Cybersecurity)Cloud-based or appliance web filter. Often used in K–12. Routes traffic through iBoss for filtering; supports SSL inspection and category-based blocking.
6. Lightspeed Systems (Lightspeed Filter)School-focused filter. Can be relay (traffic goes through their proxy) or DNS. Blocks by category, time, and policy. Integrates with directory (e.g. Google).
7. SmoothwallGateway filter (appliance or virtual). All web traffic goes through it; filters by URL, category, and content. Supports HTTPS inspection and reporting.
8. ContentKeeperWeb security gateway. Proxy that inspects HTTP/HTTPS and applies policy. Used in education and enterprise. Blocks by URL, category, and content analysis.
9. Barracuda Web Security GatewayProxy or cloud service. Traffic is sent to Barracuda; they filter malware, apply URL policies, and can do SSL inspection. Common in businesses.
10. Sophos XG / Sophos FirewallUnified firewall with web filtering. Traffic passes through the appliance; filtering by category, URL, and application. Can decrypt HTTPS for inspection.
11. NetsweeperWeb filter used by ISPs and schools. Typically deployed as a proxy or in-line; blocks by URL list and category. Often used for CIPA compliance.
12. Symantec Blue Coat (Broadcom)Proxy and web security. Traffic goes through Blue Coat proxies; they filter by URL, category, and content. Enterprise-focused.
13. McAfee Web Gateway (Skyhigh)Secure web gateway. Inspects traffic for malware and policy; can proxy and SSL-inspect. Used in corporate networks.
14. CleanBrowsingDNS-based filter. You point DNS to CleanBrowsing; they resolve and block by category (family, adult, security). No appliance—just DNS.
15. CIPA-compliant / E-rate filtersGeneric term for filters that meet US E-rate/CIPA rules in schools. Can be any of the above (iBoss, Lightspeed, etc.) or custom; they block obscene/harmful content and track compliance.
16. DNSFilterCloud DNS filter. Devices use DNSFilter’s resolvers; they block malicious and optional category-based sites. Used by SMBs and MSPs.
17. SecurlyEducation-focused. Cloud filter and monitoring; often deployed via agent or DNS. Blocks by category and can do SSL inspection; student safety and reporting.
18. Linewize (Family Zone)School and family filtering. Cloud-based; traffic filtered by category and policy. Used in K–12 with classroom and parent tools.
19. GoGuardianChromebook/school filter. Often a browser extension or managed Chrome policy; filters and monitors student browsing. Cloud-based policies.
20. Router-level / ISP blockingSome ISPs or home routers block at the router (DNS or in-line). You use the ISP’s DNS or router; it blocks by blacklist or family settings. No single product name—varies by provider.