pfSense® software to add a layer of security to your company's network? Are you having trouble blocking websites or interpreting access reports?
If you answered "yes" to the questions above, then this article is for you. Keep reading to learn how to solve these problems quickly and easily.
What is pfSense software?®?
pfSense® software as a hardware firewall, and is widely used in businesses and organizations of all sizes to protect their networks from external threats and control internet access. Additionally, pfSense® software offers many additional features, such as load balancing, secure remote access, VPN, network monitoring, and more.
How to block websites using pfSense software®?
pfSense® software , depending on the method you choose. Here are some options:
- ® software user interface ® software user interface , in the “Content Filters” section of the control panel.
- pfSense® software comes with a wide range of third-party packages that can be installed to add new functionality. A popular package for blocking websites is "SquidGuard," which allows you to create content filtering rules based on website categories or specific URL lists.
- ® software packet filtering rules : You can also create packet filtering rules in pfSense ® to block access to specific websites. This is done by adding packet filtering rules in the "Firewall" section of the pfSense ® .
- Using a content filtering service: There are many content filtering services available on the Internet that offer lists of blocked website URLs that can be used with pfSense® software . pfSense® software to use these lists to block access to the websites you specify.
Content Filtering Services for pfSense Software®
There are many content filtering services available online that can be used with pfSense® software to block access to specific websites. Some examples include:
- OpenDNS: OpenDNS is a DNS service provider that offers content filtering options. You can configure pfSense® software to use OpenDNS DNS servers and enable the desired content filtering options.
- CleanBrowsing: Another DNS service provider with content filtering options. You can configure pfSense® software to use CleanBrowsing's DNS servers and enable the desired content filtering options.
- Lumiun DNS : This Brazilian content filtering system integrates with pfSense® software . With over 70 intelligent filters, you can view access in real time through the insights and reports pages. It's quick and easy to use, without the need to install new software or purchase equipment.
These are just a few examples of content filtering services that can be used with pfSense® software . There are many other options available, so it's important to do thorough research before choosing a service.
How to Block Inappropriate Websites with Lumiun DNS & pfSense
Lumiun Lumiun DNS is a new DNS filtering and content classification service that can be easily integrated with pfSense® software to simplify the process of blocking inappropriate websites and viewing real-time reports. There are two ways to configure this integration. The first involves pfSense® software forwarding DNS requests to Lumiun DNS pfSense® software's default DNS service , Unbound.
The second option for configuring integration is through the "DNS Forwarder" approach. By choosing this approach, you can view the IP and MAC address of the device that made the DNS query. All devices on the local network using pfSense® software as their DNS server will then follow the rules defined in the Policy assigned to the Location specified in the configuration. Additionally, you can create custom rules in pfSense® software , such as an exception list for devices that should not have their DNS traffic filtered.
We've provided a comprehensive step-by-step guide to completing all of these configurations in our Help Center . Check out the installation instructions.
Step 1: Create a Lumiun DNS account
Visit https://dns.lumiun.com/register to create your free account. When you create an account, you'll be using the Starter plan. Basic Protection and Adult Content filters .
Step 2: Confirm registration via email
After registering, confirm your account using the "Verify your email" button in the email sent to you. If the email isn't in your inbox, check your spam folder and mark it as "Not Spam" to receive future emails.
Step 3: Complete the initial steps
Lumiun DNS control panel . To make things easier, a page with four initial steps is displayed.
The first step is to enter your organization's name and contact phone number.
The next step is to create the policy. Through the policy, you can select locations, activate filters, and block apps and websites.
Step 4: Register new location
In Lumiun DNS a location identifies a network, device, or place that you want to control and protect.
To register a location, fill in the name field, select the time zone, the device on which Lumiun DNS will be configured, in this case the pfSense ® , check the policy created in the previous step and click the “Next” button.
Step 5: Configure the pfSense software®
When you reach the last initial step, you'll see the installation guide in the pfSense ® . By default, the configuration displays device identification. If you prefer to install using DoT, follow the steps in the other help center guide .
Watch this video that illustrates the configuration of Lumiun DNS in pfSense software®.
Step 5: Enable blocking filters
Back in the Lumiun DNSdashboard, click the "Policies" menu at the top of the page, select the newly created policy, and in the Security and Privacy section, enable the desired filters. There are over 70 filters available for the Pro plan.
In the “Focus and Productivity” section, you can enable adult content blocking.
Step 6: Block specific websites
In the PRO plan you have other features available such as the Block List, Custom Block Page, Unlimited Policies and Locations and others .
Step 7: Test the lock
You can activate the “Adult content blocking” filter and after a few minutes, in an incognito tab of your browser, access the website redtube.com and you will see that the Lumiun DNS blocking screen will be displayed.
On the Pro plan, you can customize the block page with your logo and preferred message.
Step 8: View reports
Access the Reports to view statistics on access requests for your pfSense ® .
Important Features of Lumiun DNS
- No need to maintain lists
- Cloud filter management
- Normalized lists for the Brazilian user
- No need for extra equipment
- Blocks by time bands
- Graph showing the volume of released and blocked requests
- Statistics with the most blocked sites
- Real-time logs
- Protected Search to remove adult content from major search engines
- Support in Portuguese with access to analysts via chat on the panel
Install Lumiun DNS for free on your pfSense ® at lumiundns.com/pt/pfsense .
Lumiun DNS Partner Program
If you are a managed service provider (MSP) looking for solutions to optimize your services and offer additional value to your customers, Lumiun DNS has a partner program that may be the ideal solution for your business.
