K9 Web Protection

K9 Web Protection is a desktop-based content-control software program created by Blue Coat Systems.

The software operates without downloading a database to the desktop PC and instead looks to an Internet-based database. This means that the PC only needs a very small piece of code and the user can take advantage of the database being updated constantly. On the other hand, if the computer can't connect to this database for any reason (such as a firewall blocking the connection), all web access will be disabled.

K9 Web Protection is proprietary software which is free for home use. It is possible to have multiple licenses, and every computer needs a separate license. Its primary purpose is for parental control, but it is possible to use it for protection of their computer against computer viruses or malware, or for self-blocking of pornography (with an accountability partner).

Strengths

The software is very difficult to disable or remove without the administrator password. The uninstaller requires the administrator password to run, and if the service or process it stopped all web access is disabled. Similarly, attempts to modify the program from the windows registry or file system will also lead to all web access being disabled.

Weaknesses

The software can only monitor the HTTP protocol and has limited capability of blocking the HTTPS protocol. Therefore, protocols such as FTP could theoretically be used to bypass the filter.

Additionally, because the software is installed on the operating system rather than on a server, a savvy user could bypass the filter by installing another operating system onto the computer, or by running a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu straight from CD, therefore leaving no traces for the administrator to find.

K9 does not accept passwords longer than 15 characters.

Reviews

Ken Cooper from Family WebWatch praised its ease of use and clean interface. Cooper also praised K9 for not bogging down system performance due to the fact that it uses an Internet-based database.

On the other hand, Neil J. Rubenking, lead analyst for security for PC Magazine criticized the filter's inability to create custom filtering for individual family members, while praising the fact that he could not find a way for children to disable the filter without also disabling access to the internet.

External links

• http://k9webprotection.com
• http://www.familywebwatch.com/review-k9-web-protection/
• http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2347737,00.asp

See also

Cyclope-Series