Block access to Google Games

[spauldingd]

We recently implemented a pair of FW1120's with full FTD licensing.  Configuring access control policies to block specific websites and URL categories.

One of the categories we have blocked is "games" which does a great job of blocking those websites.  However, my users have discovered that by going to Google, searching for "solitaire" it brings up a listing of URL's that host solitaire.  Clicking those links results in a firewall block.  However, Google also hosts their own versions of solitaire and other games.  Which can be played directly from the main search page without triggering the block.

I don't want to do a complete block on Google, but cannot find the right filter to put in  place and block those games.  

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Christian1225]

You can try creating a custom URL filter that blocks certain Google search terms like “solitaire,” “tic tac toe,” or “snake” to prevent those games from loading directly on the search page. Also, make sure SSL decryption is enabled so your firewall can properly detect and block these embedded games from Google.

If that still doesn’t solve the issue, you might want to check Vore Games latest uploads . They cover a wide range of browser-based games, including Google's official ones like Solitaire, Snake, and Blackjack. It’s a helpful resource for identifying and managing hidden gaming content that might slip past traditional filters.

[spauldingd]

I've blocked everything Google except for search in the Apps section of the config.  I'm still working on SSL Decryption

The provided link does not work.  Can you confirm?  (I did check and it's not being blocked by my rules.)

[amojarra]

Hello @spauldingd 

Google games uses the same URL as the www.google.com 

for example the PACMAN is : https://www.google.com/logos/2010/pacman10-hp.html

in case you are using explicit deployment, you can create a URL category to block the "pacman" in the regex section

or to avoid high load on the WSA, you can add the full URL in the regEx section: 

for more information to configure the RegEx I can share this link:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/secure-web-appliance-virtual/220557-configure-custom-url-categories-in-secur.html

in this case , you need yo add all the Google online Games URLs one by one

And if you are using Transparent deployment, you need to decrypt all Google.com traffic ( which will puts some extra load on your WSA ) and then block the games, from the AccessPolicy for the CustomURL category that you created for those games   

Regards,

Amirhossein Mojarrad

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[donbax]

Thanks for sharing this. Blocking Google games is definitely a useful step for managing productivity or bandwidth, especially in school or office networks. I've been working with modified game clients recently, like custom versions of Brawl Stars iOS, and it's surprising how often these games bypass traditional filters due to how they're hosted or accessed. It’s helpful to understand Cisco Umbrella policies better so similar platforms can be restricted effectively.

[Katherine Tatti]

Thanks for sharing this. Blocking Google games can definitely help manage productivity and conserve bandwidth, especially in school or office environments. I've been working with modified game clients lately—like custom versions of Brawl Stars—and it's surprising how easily these games can bypass standard filters, depending on how they're hosted or accessed. That’s why understanding and configuring Cisco Umbrella policies properly is so important for effectively restricting access to similar platforms.

[samiirlloyyd89]

Good catch! Google’s built-in games like Solitaire often bypass filters since they’re hosted directly in search. You can enable SSL decryption on your FTD and use custom app filters to block just those games without affecting Google entirely. If your users enjoy casual games, you might consider this as well.

[spauldingd]

I find it fascinating that in a topic specifically talking about blocking all games you post a link recommending a game to my users.

Kind of missing the point of blocking games.