Content Filtering on RV160W is not working

[serg.gulko]

We decided to use RV160W to block certain websites during working hours. 

Settings were like this:

- Enable Content Filtering: Yes

- Block Matching URLs: Yes 

- Filter by Domain: facebook.com 

For the very first time, the filter worked as a charm and users weren't able to get into a blocked website. But after I turned off filter and client's browsers(we tried Chrome and Firefox) were able to load page, any subsequent attempts to enable the same filter did not prevent clients to use website. 

How to reproduce:

- enable filtering (with Schedule e.g. Always)

- try to access a blocked resource (expected behavior - no access)

- disable filter 

- access blocked resource (expected behavior - access granted)

- enable filter 

- try to access a blocked resource(expected behavior - access granted)

Firmware version: 1.0.01.01

[balaji.bandi]

If the session opened already user still able to get that website.

to test again clear the NAt table and test.?

[serg.gulko]

Thanks for the quick reply! 

How do I clear the NAT table? I just clicked through the entire device... 

[balaji.bandi]

I generally do in the Firewall, less hands-on RV

but you try this firewall-Session time out --clear connection and test. ? ( sorry if that not worked)

[serg.gulko]

No, it did not work:( 

[Martin Aleksandrov]

@serg.gulko 

If after clearing the connections the RV still get the same behaviour, you enable again the filtering, apply/save the configuration and restart the device. 

Regards,

Martin

[serg.gulko]

Hello! 

Thanks for the suggestion but it did not work either. 

Here is what I did: enable filter, check is resource is blocked, disable filter, successfully open resource from browser, enable filter, save changes, restart the device. 

Then I was able to open the blocked website despite the enabled filter. 

[Sujoy Paria]

Hi,

On the RV series routers ‘Content Filtering’ is meant for blocking ‘http’ traffic, not for ‘https’ traffic. Facebook uses ‘https’. Please check once with any http domain, I hope that will work.

[serg.gulko]

Thanks for your reply! 

I'll definitely check but in 2020 it a challenge to find resources without https. Basically, this feature is useless. 

Side note - filtration is working for the first time but once the browser gets access to pages, the filter is not in effect anymore. 

[Martin Aleksandrov]

@serg.gulko @Sujoy Paria 

Hello,

Sujoy is correct - content filtering on RV160/260/340 is meant to track and filter HTTP traffic only. Web filtering (by Webroot) on Cisco RV26x and RV34x series does support HTTPS. You can look up the category on GUI and decide whether to filter on not the https site (attached screenshot).

[Zmaila009]

Hello Cisco. I demand an answer. I just bought RV160W as an upgrade to RV130W where by the way content filtering is also listed as a function, but not working (listed as a bug which will not be fixed because device is out of production).

So content filtering is not working. I did setup that as an other guys in order to filter youtube, discord, facebook and so on and it does not block probably because of HTTPS sites. Even you have false advertisment on youtube here on Cisco tech (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMHPxg9H4wk) talk where some lady telling me that sites going to be blocked by url or keyword. No it is not working. Why? I dont want to listen to another crap like - only http sites are blocked. It is not what you are advertising. Also there is not a single word about that in product description. If yes then please point me to that document. I have other devices from cisco in my architecture, but you can believe me that this is last one and it will go straight back to dealer if this is not fixes or to the dumbster. Please write me back some answer. At least SOME answer or your service and devices dropped in quality so much? I dont get this. 10years ago when someone ask what to put in your network architecture if you want something good - it was always Cisco. Now Im not sure why I paid for all your components twice that much if it cant do what it advertise.

[Zmaila009]

Hello Cisco. My previous reply was deleted without explanation.

So again. Please explain why RV160W content filtering does not content filter.

I have same setup and tried to block facebook, youtube, discord. Non of that were blocked despite whatever I tried.

Is it a case of https? Because it is nowhere specified in advertisment or definition or any documentation to a product. Please point me to any source information. Your tech talk video specifically for RV160 explaining how to manage and setup content filtering. yet it is not function. Can you please explain?

[Martin Aleksandrov]

Hello Zmaila009,

As you may already know, we are working on a solution in relation to this issue. We will keep in touch and update you once we have any progress on that matter.

Kind Regards,

Martin

[Zmaila009]

Hello,

yes I was contacted by mail also. Thank you for eford and Im waiting patiently for any answer to the subject.

Thanks in advance again.

MIlan

[chester.chee13]

Hi Cisco

Any update on this? It is kind of ridiculous to support content filter by domain for http only. Domain name and website url is not encrypted regardless. It is pretty standard feature with other cheap brand router. I brought Cisco because I have used it for many years and believe it delivers high quality router. For your brand sake, please fix this ASAP.  FYI, I am using firmware 1.0.01.03.