Switch to block websites?

Mark M · 18 Feb 2013 at 11:21

I am expanding my business and will be taking on 2 members of staff both at a junior level and I want to block their access to the usual social media sites etc. Is there any switches out there that will allow me to do this? I currently have one internet line coming into the shared office so dont have access to the main router.

Thanks, Mark

Edit - or is there something else I could look at for a solution if a switch doesn't have the functionality?

KIA · 18 Feb 2013 at 13:04

Have a look at OpenDNS.

Mark M · 18 Feb 2013 at 13:51

My only concern with openDNS is that they could easily change the DNS settings to auto configure and bypass the openDNS ones couldnt they?

bignev72 · 18 Feb 2013 at 14:39

You could set their host file to auto forward to another site or to a dead address.

Then make the permissions to the file so they can't change it.

That's an easy and free method. Would only work if they always use the same machine every day though.

Otherwise you might be able to block them through your router via MAC address filtering or maybe get a proxy server setup.

Woden · 18 Feb 2013 at 14:44

Mark M said:
My only concern with openDNS is that they could easily change the DNS settings to auto configure and bypass the openDNS ones couldnt they?

Not if you give them limited accounts on the PC.

Gavin · 18 Feb 2013 at 14:48

if its two people maybe just tell them if they use them during work hours there sacked. But may use it for personal use for x amount at lunchtime?

KIA · 18 Feb 2013 at 16:38

Mark M said:
My only concern with openDNS is that they could easily change the DNS settings to auto configure and bypass the openDNS ones couldnt they?

Do they need local admin?

Polarbear · 18 Feb 2013 at 18:36

Untangle might be worth a look for you. We have it running on a N40L microserver and it has proved very reliable (and combined with active directory allows a lot of user control).

LizardKing · 18 Feb 2013 at 20:27

You could get a cheap zyxel firewall from ebay, they do some pretty basic web blocking, it would also give you the ability to not block yourself from anything!

Sin_Chase · 18 Feb 2013 at 21:12

They will just use their mobiles

Blocking is always a silly idea in my mind. Have some faith, pre-warn them about acceptable internet usage, ensure it is in the Working Policies and if they abuse it, do something.

Mark M · 19 Feb 2013 at 09:39

LizardKing said:
You could get a cheap zyxel firewall from ebay, they do some pretty basic web blocking, it would also give you the ability to not block yourself from anything!

This sounds good, I will have a look on ebay but I can see what my next thread is - How to set up Zyxel firewall

Sin_Chase said:
They will just use their mobiles

Blocking is always a silly idea in my mind. Have some faith, pre-warn them about acceptable internet usage, ensure it is in the Working Policies and if they abuse it, do something.

I agree its poor practice but Ive seen it before where staff just sit on the internet all day long and given the nature of the job - admin, they arent hugely accountable so their time is difficult to record.

They are welcome to use their phones, at least I will see from across the office that they arent using their computer whereas their screens will face the opposite direction to me.