Did you know that around 60% of all web traffic across the N4L Managed Network is via secure websites – and growing?!
This changing trend is important for schools to be aware of and we recently contacted all schools to recommend that they review their existing web filtering setup to ensure it is meeting their needs (and enables them to maintain a safe and secure online environment.)
To understand the implications we first need to understand the change…
HTTP vs HTTPS
Some website addresses start with “http” and others with “https”. Most of us don’t pay any attention to this, but the difference is important when it comes to the online safety of students.
- Websites that start with “http” are open and subject to the standard keyword filters most schools have as part of their web filtering setup. Rules can be setup to manage access to these sites, as well as what content on the sites is visible, and what is blocked.
- Websites that start with “https” are different. They’re called secure websites and they use what are known as ‘secure protocols’ to ensure that, when users access their content, that connection is secure and private. Google, YouTube, Pinterest and online banking websites are popular examples, but many others are also starting to using these protocols.
What does it mean for schools?
Content on secure websites is not able to be seen or filtered using standard rules and policies (potentially exposing students and staff to inappropriate content). The only way to prevent access to this inappropriate content is to block the entire site, but for many schools this isn’t a practical option.
What can you do to protect your students?
If your school is using N4L’s Web Filtering, the only way to gain visibility of, and then be able to filter the content on secure websites, is to install certificates on devices using a managed N4L connection. This can be done by implementing Secure Website Inspection as part of N4L’s Web Filtering. Depending on the complexity of your school’s IT environment, this work may need to be carried out by schools’ IT support companies..
This video provides a good summary of the growing trend toward secure websites, and discusses how Secure Website Inspection can help ensure student safety:
We recently also held a live webinar to discuss the issue in more detail, and a recording can be viewed here.
For schools who think they may need to make some changes to their web filtering setup there are a few different options:
- Discuss it with your IT support person or company, and consider if your current web filtering setup is adequate.
- Contact NetSafe or the Connected Learning advisory for impartial advice, especially around how your web filtering setup ties into your digital citizenship policies.
- Contact N4L’s Helpdesk if you’d like to implement Secure Website Inspection.