Smoothwall Filter is a real-time, content-aware web filtering solution designed to protect students and users in educational and organizational environments. It analyzes the actual content, context, and construction of web pages as they are accessed, rather than relying solely on pre-existing blocklists. This approach enables the detection and blocking of harmful, inappropriate, or malicious content—including content hidden behind proxies or on newly created sites. The solution operates in the cloud, removing the need for on-premise servers and single points of failure, and provides granular policy controls based on user, group, device, time, and location. Smoothwall Filter generates real-time alerts for safeguarding incidents, logs user search behaviors for investigation and education, and supports compliance with statutory online safety requirements. It is suitable for deployment across all devices, both on-site and remotely, ensuring consistent protection and digital safety.

Key Features

Real-Time, Content-Aware Filtering Analyzes and filters web content instantly as it is accessed.

• Detects harmful or inappropriate content, even on new or user-generated sites
• Blocks content hidden behind SSL and anonymous proxies

Granular Policy Controls Customizable filtering based on user, group, device, time, and location.

• Tailor policies for age-appropriate and role-based access
• Supports BYOD and guest devices

Safeguarding Alerts & Reporting Generates real-time alerts and comprehensive reports.

• Notifies staff of safeguarding incidents across web searches and sites
• Logs search behaviors for individuals or groups to support investigations

Cloud-Based Deployment Removes the need for on-premise hardware.

• Increases reliability and scalability
• Reduces maintenance and single points of failure

Application & Bandwidth Control Manages non-web traffic and optimizes network usage.

• Controls applications like Skype and BitTorrent
• Limits bandwidth by user, content type, or time

Social Media & Guest Filtering Allows productive use of social media and filters guest devices.

• Enables read-only access to social media for learning
• Filters mobile and guest devices on Wi-Fi networks

Benefits

Enhanced Online Safety Provides comprehensive protection for students and users.

• Detects and blocks harmful content in real time
• Supports compliance with online safety regulations

Operational Efficiency Simplifies deployment and management.

• No on-premise servers required
• Centralized, cloud-based administration

Improved Incident Response Enables rapid detection and investigation of risks.

• Real-time alerts and detailed reporting
• Supports digital safety education

Flexible and Scalable Adapts to diverse environments and device types.

• Suitable for schools, districts, and organizations of all sizes