Websense Content Blocker

[JamesDillon]

So just a couple of days ago at my relatively new job. I clicked on my JREF forum bookmark as I had done many times previously, but instead of seeing Mr. Randi's smiling face, I found a far less friendly message: "This site blocked by Webense." Apparently the powers that be have installed a content blocker to encourage productivity, the bastards.

Does anyone know an easy way to get around this, that wouldn't get me indicted for tampering with federal property?

[RayG]

I dunno, web proxy?

RayG

[KarlQuigley]

Someone suggested proxify.com . Never tried it myself

[Grimoire]

So just a couple of days ago at my relatively new job. I clicked on my JREF forum bookmark as I had done many times previously, but instead of seeing Mr. Randi's smiling face, I found a far less friendly message: "This site blocked by Webense." Apparently the powers that be have installed a content blocker to encourage productivity, the bastards.

Does anyone know an easy way to get around this, that wouldn't get me indicted for tampering with federal property?
Step one, ask why they blocked that particular site. If they don't have a really good reason, ask if they could lift the block. Then worry about running through a proxy server. Sometimes sites are unintentionally blocked, and its better to go through the right channels first before trying to do an end run around...

[GregC]

I second Grimoire's suggestion. We have a web blocker at work and occassionally a sight will get blocked and usually if you ask IT they will free the site. If it is any thing like the blocker we use it has catagories that they switch on or off. The catagories are populated by the company that we purchased the web blocker from. It's called fine tuning the web blocker. I'm glad these forums aren't blocked where I work, our IT director is a fundy.

[JamesDillon]

Well, the message that comes up says something like "Message Boards and Clubs" are blocked, so I guess it's intentional. I don't think I could argue that JREF falls outside the category of "message boards." I guess I could request that they lift the ban, but I don't have a very good reason for making that request except for the fact that I would, in fact, like to waste time on this site when I'm supposed to be working. I can't see them being particularly sympathetic to that.

[Foolmewunz]

Well, the message that comes up says something like "Message Boards and Clubs" are blocked, so I guess it's intentional. I don't think I could argue that JREF falls outside the category of "message boards." I guess I could request that they lift the ban, but I don't have a very good reason for making that request except for the fact that I would, in fact, like to waste time on this site when I'm supposed to be working. I can't see them being particularly sympathetic to that.

Ah for the good old days of dial-up connections! When we couldn't get through the server to bigbutts.com we'd just plug in the auxiliary line and use the modem. Afraid you'r daytime posting days are over, JD. Look on the bright side - instead of blocking personal use, they could be running reports and singling everyone out. Usually the corporate decision is to block out everyone rather than have to discipline, as the big net catches some valuable people sometimes.

[Smart_Cookie]

You have my sympathies, JD. I probably spend way too much time at work on web sites where I shouldn't be going.

And...our content blocker catches some VERY strange stuff. Legitimately, for work, I often search for HR policies and procedures. It doesn't let me go to:

- Religious organizations that have policies posted (restricted religion sites)

- There's one American policy manual that I can't get to (in the restricted weapons/military category)

And this is the capper:

I can't see "Kitten War (http://kittenwar.com/)" at work. All it is , is pictures of cute kitties - you vote on your favorite. But it comes up in the restricted weapons/ military category. ??? HUH???


AT least I can still cruise the JREF from work! Whew

[kevin]

just a word of advice - bypassing company polices can be grounds for dismissal at many companies.

Also, websense blocks many of the known proxies. You may have to search for a lesser known proxy.

[nimzov]

Does anyone know an easy way to get around this, that wouldn't get me indicted for tampering with federal property?
I did something a bit similar a year ago with HTTrack (a website copier). You need to have a webserver installed on your home computer.

Install HTTrack on your home computer.

Have HTTrack download at regular intervals to a directory of your webserver the page(s) that you like to read from work. (You need to set the limits options so HTTrack won't download the whole site).

Connect to the webserver on your home computer from work and read the files.

If installing a webserver on your home computer is not possible, or if the files are filtered by content, then use macro recorder and write a macro that will send the files as an attachement to your email address so you can read the files from work.

It's a long way from an ideal solution and it requires a bit of work, but it's the only solution I can think of.

nimzo

[Grimoire]

I did something a bit similar a year ago with HTTrack (a website copier). You need to have a webserver installed on your home computer.

Install HTTrack on your home computer.

http://www.totse.com/en/hack/understanding_the_internet/howtobypasscen170386.html

Try those solutions first. It should be quite a bit simplier, if it works.

[MortFurd]

If your how machine is reachable from the internet, you might do what I do when I REALLY need to get to something from work.

1. Setup an SSH server at home and have it listen on port 443 (normally reserved for https and therefore nearly always open in the office firewalls.)
2. Make sure to set the SSH server to not accept user name and password login. It should require the use of your private to gain access.
3. Use PuTTY on the work machine to connect to your how system and set up port forwarding on port 80. The port forwarding should forward from your work PC to the home PC and from there to an open proxy. The folks here have mentioned a couple of useful ones.
4. Surf at work to your heart's content.
5. Remember that all surfing leaves traces on the PC you are using - do NOT surf your favorite goat porn sites from your work PC.

[gfunkusarelius]

if you value your job i would ask first and then if they confirmed it was intentional, i would just lay off. if they are vigilent enough to block these sites, they probably log your activity too and going around their blocks to surf would be a great way to surf out of emplyment. i am amazed how many people still think they are invisible at work, haha

[Darat]

So just a couple of days ago at my relatively new job. I clicked on my JREF forum bookmark as I had done many times previously, but instead of seeing Mr. Randi's smiling face, I found a far less friendly message: "This site blocked by Webense." Apparently the powers that be have installed a content blocker to encourage productivity, the bastards.

Does anyone know an easy way to get around this, that wouldn't get me indicted for tampering with federal property?

If I remember right Websense comes with a whole load of pre-determined sites to block. Lat time I checked (which will have been quite a while ago) I the JREF wasn't one of the default blocked sites. I'll look into it when I can in the meantime I would do as others have suggested just contact the IT people. You could explain you need access to get vital legal advice from Dustin?

[MortFurd]

if you value your job i would ask first and then if they confirmed it was intentional, i would just lay off. if they are vigilent enough to block these sites, they probably log your activity too and going around their blocks to surf would be a great way to surf out of emplyment. i am amazed how many people still think they are invisible at work, haha
Yeah. Always assume Big Brother is watching everything you do on your PC at work - and that they can find out what you've been up to when they weren't looking.