Security app to restrict website access?

[kukyfrope]

I would like to find an app that restricts website access to only sites specified on a given list (often called a whitelist) and may be temporarily bypassed with a password. Does anybody have suggestions on apps out there that meet this criteria, free or not? Thanks!

 

[n0cmonkey]

Put a firewall between the machine and the internets.

 

[kukyfrope]

@n0cmonkey: I don't think a firewall is the answer in this situation. I believe I failed to mention that this will be in place on a home network behind a router with 2 client machines.

 

[PowerEngineer]

I know that there are some routers that support filtering of web addresses, but AFAIK you need to change the settings on the router to bypass them (which is why I've never looked into this feature on mine).

Although many members give good reasons for hating Norton (and I have some of my own), I do use Norton Internet Security at home for its parental control features. It supports different restrictions (by user class) for individual Windows users. I haven't configured it to work as a "white list" but believe it can be done. You can also turn it off by entering a password.

There are often pretty fair rebate deals on Norton products. Assuming my rebates ever arrive, my 2006 update should be free (Fry's sale price - upgrade rebate - Norton rebate = $0).

 

[Joemonkey]

This was recently asked in this thread

Best idea I saw was:

Originally posted by: corkyg

Originally posted by: Snapster
Best option would be to install a firewall ie Zone Alarm/Kerio and configure it to only allow web access (port 80) to certain ip ranges, then password it.

Good call! Kerio does that very well. I installed it to replace ZoneAlarm Pro (getting too bloated and slow to load) and suddenly found I could not print! Turns out that my network printer was being blocked, so I had to "approve it." It is possible to block everything but approved sites with Kerio. The trick is to block changes to Kerio - and it can be passworded.

 

[phantom404]

I also found that k-9 web protection does pretty well