and - if user needs to access online Microsoft functionalityįinally, at the very bottom of the window, select “ Blacklist Without Password" Blocking Effects and - (allowing google analytics, ad tracking, etc.)
(required to allow the App Store to download updates) At minimum, the following two are required in order for the Mac to function properly:
“ Always Allow” - There will be sites that a person legitimately needs to access that are blocked by default. Other possibilities: Some people may need to add in order to prevent access to the available erotica. Others may want to block or, at minimum, (to prevent access to the repository of pictures). I recommend, at minimum, including the following, as it is a required step for the iPhone management, which I will discuss in that section: “ Always Block” - This is helpful for someone who struggles with a particular site that is not included in the K9 categories. This allows you to block and/or allow specific sites. (I dont use any, but this may be helpful for some) Web Site Exceptions Under “ Other Categories”, select the following: Under “ Commonly Blocked Categories”, select the following: TIP: Remember to click “ Save” at the bottom right of each screen after making any changes. Note that this will change per user and per need. I have found that the default settings for K9 are insufficient, and below are my recommended customizations. Next, go to the “ Configure K9 Web Protection” icon located in your Launchpad (or in the “K9 Web Protection” folder in your Applications list).
If you do not know how to install an application on your Mac, you can find basic instructions on how to do so here, and somewhat more detailed instructions here (pages 15-19) Do not register the product with an address that you have access to.
It is CRITICAL that you use your accountability partner’s email address for the license request. Prior to configuration, you will need to download and install the application. As such, K9 is my recommendation, and the following are my recommended steps for a secure configuration of K9 on your Mac:
In fact, I once called in an issue to technical support for one of the above products, and was told by one of their support engineers “ umm ya, I guess thats a big hole. I’ve used all of the other programs, and found holes in each of them sometimes gaping holes. Second, having as many users as possible accessing one of their flagship products ( the sophisticated technology behind the K9 web-filter) allows them to build a better high-end corporate product. Yes, free! Why free? Two reasons: First, Bluecoat, a corporate Information Security firm, officially offers K9 free as a part of their " Corporate Social Responsibility" program. Unfortunately, the most often overlooked option is, in my experienced opinion, the best product: K9 Web Protection. There are multiple solutions available for content filtering on your computer Net Nanny, Norton Family Premiere, WebWatcher, MCafee, etc.