Barracuda Web Security and Filtering

Barracuda Web Security Gateway uses a continually updated database to identify and block access to sites known to host spyware and viruses. It also detects installed spyware trying to access the Internet. Upon discovery, it blocks the spyware activity and notifies the administrator. By using dual-layer virus blocking, decompressing archives, and blocking file types, the antivirus engine in Barracuda Web Security Gateway protects networks from aggressive viruses.

Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) implements full system emulation, providing deep visibility into malware behavior. Files are checked against a dynamic cryptographic hash database, and any match is immediately blocked. If a match is not immediately found, or in case the file is unknown, it is delivered to our virtual sandbox for detonation where malicious behavior can be safely discovered.

The new Barracuda Chromebook Security Extension is a Chrome browser extension that enables remote enforcement of web security policies. This is especially useful for K-12 environments. The extension works both on- and off-network, providing security for students, even when they take their Chromebooks home.

Barracuda Web Security Gateway provides granular control over Web 2.0 sites and web applications, including social media platforms. Scanning and inspecting SSL-encrypted traffic for specific categories and domains enable granular policy enforcement. Administrators can also configure the Barracuda Web Security Gateway to monitor and archive outbound web application communications like Facebook posts, tweets, and web-based email to a message archiving solution, such as the Barracuda Message Archiver. These messages can be indexed and then mined for forensic analysis. Suspicious activity alerts can also be generated using predefined or customized categories.

In addition to standard port/protocol-based policies, Barracuda Web Security Gateway uses real-time deep packet inspection technology to analyze protocols independent of their port of destination servers. By integrating Layer 7 protocol analysis with policy controls, Barracuda Web Security Gateway enables complete control over application usage.

Barracuda Web Security Gateway provides flexible controls for pinpoint regulation of online activity. Administrators can create policies that control user access to 99.7 percent of commonly visited websites using 95 content categories including pornography, violence, hacking, sports, news, dating, shopping, chat, and more. Content filtering policies can be customized to restrict specific websites or look for patterns in web addresses.

Organizations can control online content normally hidden by SSL. This includes content found in social-media platforms, web-based email, and search engines. Administrators can specify domains and URL categories for which SSL-encrypted traffic will be decrypted and scanned for malware and policy. Not only can organizations restrict entire platforms, it’s now possible to enforce granular access for secure websites (e.g., YouTube).

Barracuda Web Security Agent (WSA) is a tamper-proof client that can be installed on remote, off-network laptops or desktops to help implement a consistent web security policy across localized and distributed workforces. Barracuda WSA supports both Windows and Mac OS X.

Barracuda Web Security Gateways are integrated with the Barracuda Cloud Control (BCC) web-based management portal, which leverages Barracuda’s global cloud infrastructure to enable organizations to centrally manage all their devices through a “single pane of glass” interface. Administrators can see a global view of all their devices as well as centrally manage policies and configuration. The intuitive interface makes it easy for small and medium-sized organizations to implement and manage their Barracuda Web Security Gateways with minimal IT overhead.

All Barracuda products are supported by Barracuda Central, a 24x7 advanced security operations center that works continuously to monitor and block the latest Internet threats. Barracuda Central collects data from more than 200,000 collection points worldwide and analyzes it to develop defenses, rules, and signatures. As new threats emerge, Barracuda Central is quick to respond to early outbreaks and delivers the latest definitions through Barracuda Energize Updates. These updates require zero administration and ensure that the Barracuda Web Security Gateway provides comprehensive and accurate protection against the latest Internet threats.

Barracuda Web Security Gateway provides an intuitive dashboard interface for quick understanding of the threats and activities of users on the network. The changes are immediately apparent on the dashboard that features recent infection activity, potentially suspicious activities, a live view of TCP connection usage, and summary data of network usage.

To budget computing resources and ensure adherence to corporate policies, IT and HR administrators often require detailed information about how Internet users in the network are spending time online. In addition to its powerful web filtering and malware protection capabilities, Barracuda Web Security Gateway allows administrators to generate more than 60 different reports on Internet activity.

Barracuda Web Security Gateway includes pre-built English-language dictionaries of keywords and phrases pertaining to harassment, weapons, terrorism, and pornography. Administrators can configure the device to automatically generate alerts when content containing these keywords or phrases is posted to social media portals and search engines. Administrators can also add their own keywords and phrases for monitoring. The alerts are tagged with real network user identities, making it easy to identify the source, independent of online profiles.

The intuitive web interface allows for quick and easy configuration and administration of policy rules. Setup takes fifteen minutes or less. System information, logs, powerful policy features and reports are just a few clicks away. Reporting requires no database administration.

Barracuda Web Security Gateway is delivered with all features and capabilities fully enabled. Content filtering and advanced malware protection is offered as a simple all-inclusive subscription without any per-user fees. Barracuda Cloud Control management portal is included free of charge.