LCOS FX from version 10.5.0: Use of content filter codes

Description:

As of LCOS FX 10.5.0, the management of the content filter was expanded to include codes that allow users to view blocked pages within certain times by entering the respective code despite the filter. For this change, settings for the URL/content filter have been adapted, which are described in this document.

Requirements:

• LANCOM R&S®Unified firewall with firmware from version 10.5.0 and activated full license
• Internet connection already set up and functional on the Unified Firewall
• Functionally configured packet filter on the Unified Firewall
• Functionally configured HTTP (S) proxy on the Unified Firewall
• Web browser to configure the Unified Firewall.

The following browsers are supported:

• Google Chrome
• Chromium
• Mozilla Firefox

Procedure:

1. S etting up the function

The complete configuration of the URL / content filter is described in the following document.

This document also explains the configuration of the "Content Filter Codes" function.

1.1. Open the menu User authentication → Local users and create a new entry.

Screenshot of a technical configuration interface showing options such as Monitoring Statistics, User Authentication, External Portal, Internal Portal, LDAP Users, and settings including WakeOnLAN.

1.2. Assign a user name and a password, which can later be used as an "activation code".

1.3. Click Create to save the settings.

The image displays a user authentication interface with fields showing a username labeled 'teachername', a password, and an option to require a password change after the next login.

1.4. Go to the User authentication → Internal portal → Settings menu and activate the user authentication.

1.5. Save the settings.

Image of a configuration menu for an internal portal, detailing options for login modes including Single Login and Multiple Logins, with additional settings for compatibility and landing page display.

1.6. Switch to the UTM → URL-/Content-Filter → Settings menu.

Screenshot of a cybersecurity software interface displaying various settings such as Firewall, Antivirus, Email Security, and URL Content Filter.

1.7. Activate the function Allow override by code and add one or more users who can allow an exception with the "Activation code" assigned in step 2.

1.8. Make sure the "URLs Sanitize (user, anchor, and query data in URLs are ignored)" option is unchecked.

If necessary, continue with the configuration of the URL/content filter as described in the document LANCOM R&S®Unified Firewall: Configuring the URL/Content Filter.

Screenshot of a URL content filter settings interface showing options for modified version preservation, content filter license expiration, URL sanitation, safe search enforcement for multiple search engines, and override settings.

2. Generating and managing the exception codes

2.1. Open a web browser and enter the local IP address of the Unified Firewall in the address line (e.g. https://192.168.66.253).

2.2. Log in with the user data created in step 1.3.

Screenshot of a LANCOM RS Unified Firewall login interface, prompting for a username and password to access network rights.

2.3. Click Manage Codes.

Screenshot of a LANCOM Rohde & Schwarz user interface showing a logged in teacher's status, active network protection by Unified Firewall, session details including IP addresses, with no active override codes.

2.4. In the following dialog you first have to click the Create Code button.

2.5. Then enter a name for the exception code and define the validity period for this code.

Click on Save to apply the settings.

Screenshot of a LANCOM RS Unified Firewall user interface displaying content filter override codes, with options to go back or create a new code.

2.6. The generated exception code is displayed on the overview page and can be used immediately.

Screenshot of the LANCOM RS Unified Firewall user interface showing network protection settings, active user sessions, and session management options.

3. Use exception code

3.1. Open a website whose content you have blocked with a content filter in a web browser.

3.2. The blocking page of the URL filter is displayed.

3.3. Enter an exception code and click the Submit button.

3.4. The actually blocked website is then called up and displayed.