How to block websites in pFsense using SquidGuard. Read the article to learn more. At Bobcares, with our pfSense Support Services, we can handle your issues.

How to Block Websites in pFSense using SquidGuard?

Squid and Squid Guard, a software included with Pfsense, may be used to filter online browsing and prohibit websites using a blacklist called Shallalist. For this, SquidGuard serves as the real filter. After reviewing every request, SquidGuard determines whether to ban the website or the request.

There are several features in SquidGuard that may be tailored to the need. Additionally, it is incredibly quick and won’t cause the consumers’ internet connection to lag. SquidGuard can help if we need to restrict access to specific websites or ban access to a list of unwanted websites.

Setup Steps

1. Launch the PfSense web GUI.

2. Go to Packages under System.

3. Find the Squid and SquidGuard.

4. To install the package, click the plus icon on the right.

5. After the installation is complete, go to Services -> Proxy Server to configure Squid and make the following changes:

i. Proxy Interface: Lan

ii. Allow users on the interface: Check

iii. Transparent Proxy: Check

iv. Now, save it.

6. To setup Squidguard, navigate to Services -> Proxy Filter and make the following adjustments:

i. Enable GUI log: Check

ii. Enable log: Check

iii. Blacklist: Check

iv. Copy and Paste the below link in the blacklist URL.

v. Save it now.

7. Select the download option under the Blacklist tab.

8. Select the Target Rules tab under the Common ACL menu.

9. The various Target Categories will appear once we click Target Rules. Refuse whatever we desire.

10. Select “Allow” under “Default Access” at the bottom.

11. Now, save it.

12. Select the General Settings.

13. Check “Enable”.

14. Click Apply.

15. Lastly, save it.

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Conclusion

Admins may enforce online access regulations by using the SquidGuard module in PFsense, which provides a reliable method for banning websites based on established categories. Users may set up SquidGuard to block or permit access to particular websites or content categories by creating rules. By keeping users from accessing improper or potentially hazardous online information, improves network security, compliance, and control.