Safe Internet for All: Restrict Porn, Language, Block Sites
Purpose of this page: Protecting my kids and helping others do the same. However, it is not only for kids but should be for everyone.
"'Pornography is crack for the eyes,' said Dr. William Struthers, '
Porn is just as addicting, or more so, than drugs.'"1
As my kids get older it is my responsibility to keem them safe not Uncle Sam. This is a working copy and is very rough draft.
Starting Points:
- Monitor/Have someone monitor your internet activity
- Install free filtering software
- Use advance router settings
- Implement a DNS filter
I would recommend using all the methods above for your home network. This will not
only help keep your PC porn free but will help in pishing, identity theft, and other
malcious sites exploits.
Monitoring your network and knowing what your kids are doing is #1 in defense. If
you are an adult or a teen and don't and have an addiction to pornography you
can use X3Watch. It allows you to specify
an advocate, a friend that you choose to help you through your addiction. When you
visit a questionable site basic information about the visit is sent to their email.
They can talk to you and help you overcome your addiction. You can check it out
at http://x3watch.com/.
There are many free filtering software out there to filter sites on the client.
However, since you install the filter on the client your kids can find ways around
this. How they may bypass: use a translating service, site image renderer, hack
a password, download a program to bypass this filter. Remember it is software based
and they can simpily slap in a bootable OS CD and have all the access they need.
Yes they are free and available in many different distributions.
I personally use a DNS filter, there are many out there.
X3Watch has one for $49 and filters Instant Messaging, web, email, establish
time limits, program access, and more. I don't use X3Watch but it has great
reviews. When my kids start using computers for homework and conducting open searches
then I will lock it down more. I use Open DNS
it is FREE and works great. I installed the DNS settings on my wireless router.
I can lock the router in a thermostat box for teamper pertection if needed. What
it does: Uses a known site and domain database to block content, custom filters,
Phishing protection from phishtank.com, domain blocking, adult site blocking, typo
correction (google.cmo just might bring you to a naughty site, but not with this
feature). It also has domain whitelisting where you can specify sites to not block
at all, there is more and more. Since it is installed on your router there is no
way around it unless someone knows the router password or rewires the cables. If
that happens then you have bigger issues.
Depending on your wireless router you may have lots of features on hand. Be sure to read the manual and get to know it. More advanced routers have full control of the content that
passes through them. First secure your router: disable SID broadcast, enable encryption,
disable remote admin (Means you must connect via network cable). Lock your box up
in a thermostat box or other locable box. Some security features can limit specific
computers x amount of time per day and in between a period of time. Lets say allow
my daughters computer access for 2 hours between 6-8 p.m. Between this time I am
filtering all sites and logging them using the methods above. Since kids are suing
parents maybe you should have them sign a disclamir and have a login message via
the router as well.
This is a working document so if you notice any errors or have content to add please let me know.
1 http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=8448&CHID=2