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Barracuda Content Shield

Web Use Categories

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WCS is a Barracuda website categorization service that organizes domains into content categories (subcategories) which are grouped by supercategories, as shown in the table below. When you create policies on the DNS FILTERING or ADVANCED FILTERING pages that block categories of websites, you can choose a supercategory to block, or you can drill down and block websites at the category level.  

Super CategoriesCategoriesDescription
Adult Material  
 Adult Magazines or NewsSites containing sexually explicit content in an image based or textual form. Any other form of adult/sexually oriented material is also listed
here.
 Adult Search or Links

Adult-related search engines, links, rankings, or portal sites.

 Adult Porn

Sites containing sexually explicit content in an image-based or textual form. Any other form of adult/sexually-oriented material is also listed here.

 DatingSites that enable users to meet and interact with each other for the purposes of dating or making friends.
 Fetish

Sites containing sexually explicit content in an image-based. Any other form of adult/sexually oriented material is also listed here.

 NuditySites containing bare images of the human body which are not suggestive or explicit.
 Sexual Expression(text)Sites that contains sexually suggestive, explicit or erotic content.
 Sexual ServicesSex and sexually related information such as adult goods or merchandise, adult videos, adult game software, love hotels, brothels, escort services, models, etc. 
 Swimsuits & LingerieSites containing revealing images such as swimsuits and modeling, but not nudity.
Adult Recreation Or Illegal  
 Gambling in GeneralAll online and offline gambling, and sites that promote gambling skills and practice.
 LotteryInformation related to lotteries issued by public institutions, such as state lotteries, and charity raffles.
 SmokingManufacturers and distributors of tobacco products, as well as websites that promote their use.
 DrinkingRestaurants and bars that primarily serve alcoholic drinks as well as websites that promote the use of alcohol.
 Alcoholic ProductsManufacturers and distributors of products that contain alcohol. This category also contains websites that promote the use of alcohol.
Business  
 AgricultureSites providing information about, or promoting, the agricultural industry. This includes farms, seeds, supplies, etc., as well as agricultural news.
 ArchitectureArchitecture company websites, architectural news and review sites, sites supporting the architecture industry.
 Business & CommercialSites that provide business-related overview, planning and strategy information.
 Home & FamilySites that deal with life issues and services including parenting, foster care, adoption, raising children, senior citizen related, etc.
 LawSites for law firms, attorneys, legal resources and materials, news, etc. Does not include government websites and legal information provided by those governments.
 Life EventsSites that discuss or provide services for special life events such as marriage, divorce, bereavement, “coming of age” ceremonies (e.g. bar & bat mitzvah, shinbyu, Dawoodi Bohra, etc.).
 MiscellaneousSites that provide business content, but cannot easily be classified in one of the other categories.
 Mobile OperatorsSites that are owned by Mobile Operators. These sites include the
promotion, sale, or administration of mobile services.
 Photography & FilmAll photography companies, professional photographers, studios, filmmakers, cinematographers, and related companies, camera manufacturers, camera and equipment sales, and associated businesses.
 Private IP AddressesInternet Protocol addresses that are commonly used for home, office, and enterprise local area networks.
 Side BusinessSites that provide information for careers. 
 Transport Services & FreightSites of companies focused on providing cargo, freight and package transportation services, information related to the cargo and freight industry, news, etc.
 Unsupported URLMalformed URLs that are not valid and cannot resolve to a web server. For example, google.com google  would be considered an unsupported URL
Commerce & Shopping  
 Auctions

Sites that allow bidding and selling of items and services. Does not include non-selling related advertising.

 Career AdvancementSites that provide information for careers and side business information. 
 Financial ProductsAll aspects of personal and corporate finance are included here. Sites that provide price comparisons between financial products, and sites that report or comment on financial matters. 
 FireworksSites that sell, promote, or enable people to use fireworks.
 InsuranceBusinesses and commercial organizations that provide insurance, insurance information, and so forth, as well as sites that provide information related to insurance, the insurance industry, etc. 
 IT Online ShoppingAny site that meets the following criteria is listed here, especially IT products. Sites that offer goods for sale, represent a non-online retailer, provides comparisons between goods, preferential purchase schemes. 
 Market RatesAll aspects of personal and corporate finance are included here. Sites that provide price comparisons between financial products, and sites that report or comment on financial matters. 
 Online TradingSites that discuss, promote, or enable the user to trade online. 
 Real EstateSites that provide residential and commercial property sales and rental information, listings and services.
 Shopping or RetailSites or order pages from which it is possible to purchase various products. Also includes websites of brick-and-mortar shops. 
 Sweepstakes or PrizesInformation and sites concerning online or offline competition, money, or prizes that can be won by participants.
 Tracking SitesSites or back-end services that are dedicated to tracking user behavior or usage.
 Cryptocurrency Sites that enable, distribute, trade, mine, or promote cryptocurrencies.
Cultural  
 Weddings or MatrimonyInformation and sites concerning services offered by matchmaking agencies designed to introduce members of the opposite sex for the purpose of marriage.
  Local Communities

Sites for law firms, attorneys, legal resources and materials, news, etc. Does not include government websites and legal information provided by those governments.

Education  
 EducationColleges, universities, primary and secondary schools are all included here. Online educational resources, such as exam syllabuses and example questions, are also included. Support organizations such as admissions bodies and research councils.
 eLearningIncludes online learning products, technologies, and services that promote online learning. Sites that are not associated with traditional education (e.g. grade schools, high schools, college/university) as described in the Education category, but provide online learning services.
 ReferenceOnline encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauruses, atlases and other information resources available for research purposes all belong to this category.
 ScienceSites focused on the various disciplines of science, research papers, companies and government agencies focused on scientific research and development.
 Sex EducationSites that discuss sex and sexuality in an informative and non-voyeuristic way. Topics that fall under this category include: education about human reproduction and contraception, advice on preventing infection from sexual diseases such as HIV, and advice to the LGB communities on sexual health matters.
Entertainment  
 Art and Cultural Events Sites that promote or provide information about the Arts. These can include art galleries, art instruction, and art information, theater, symphonies, orchestras, operas, etc.
 Books or eBooksSites promoting printed and eBook publications, as well as sites distributing these publications.
 Costume Play or EnjoymentSites containing costume play content. 
 Dining or GourmetAll sites relating to restaurants (whether eat-in or takeaway) and pubs/bars. All recipes and cuisine related sites are listed in this category. Farms and other foodstuff manufacturers. 
 DownloadsAny site whose primary function is to allow users to download media content except computer programs and mobile apps. This includes computer wallpaper, icons, fonts, etc. 
 Entertainer or CelebritySites that provide information about entertainers and famous people.
 Entertainment, Venues or ActivitiesCinema, live entertainment, entertainment venues, social venues, meeting places, party/event venues, amusement parks, comedy clubs, etc.
 GamesInformation about the sale of game software and hardware, game downloads, game cheat codes, or games in general. 
 Horoscope, Astrology, or Fortune TellingSites that provide, or promote, horoscopes, fortune telling, astrology, etc.
 Museums & HistorySites promoting museums, providing virtual online museums, historical information ,historical societies, and related clubs, etc.
 MusicSites that provide downloadable music data, music, and movie-related music. 
 Online gamesAll sites relating to video, computer or online games. All sites that support gaming through hosting online services, cheat information, general advice etc.
 Online Magazines

Sites that provide online versions of magazines that cannot be easily classified in another category, or provide multiple online magazines that would individually be classified differently from one another.

 PaintballSites that sell or promote paintball game or equipment. This includes air guns.
 Pets or VeterinarianWebsites for veterinarians, veterinarian clinics, animal adoption agencies, pet care, products and services for pets, information about pets, and news about pets. 
 Professional SportsProfessional sport websites, except those related to gambling. 
 Recreation & HobbiesThis category covers all activities or interests, other than sports, that someone might pursue for their own pleasure and not as a main occupation. This includes clubs and groups that pursue or meet for specific interests. 
 Social Networks in GeneralThis category contains social networking sites (SNS) focused on both personal and professional services that are not contained within other categories with more granular controls.
 Society & CultureSocial organizations and cultural sites that are not related to local communities, business or philanthropy. These sites include societal and cultural views and create awareness about topics related to heritage, activism, and history in various ethnicities, countries or regions.
 Sports in generalAll sport websites - whether media-related or fan-related - are placed in this category, except those related to gambling.
 Streaming MediaAny site whose primary function is to allow users to watch streaming media.
Health & Medicine  
 CBD & Hemp ProductsSites that sell CBD or Hemp products without THC, such as CBD oil, and do not promote marijuana use. 
 MedicationSites offering drugs (OTC or Prescription drugs) or common medicines, natural products, prescription medications, etc.
 MarijuanaSites offering information, discussion, and/or resale of marijuana and associated products and/or services.
 HealthAll sites related to personal health, hospitals, clinics, legally prescribed medication and related services.
Illegal/Improper  
 Child AbuseSites or images that include child pornography or abuse. This category is not entirely inclusive of all child abuse sites and may contain adult pornography.
 CyberbullyingURLs that contain abusive and/or threatening messages towards other users or groups.Sites that regard to abortion information, legal issues, and organizations.
 GrotesqueIt is not easy to define exactly what is offensive or tasteless. Sites included are not pornographic or violent, rather, more oriented towards content unsuitable for school children to view or that an employer would be uncomfortable with their staff accessing.
 Hate or SlanderSites promoting aggressive, degrading, or abusive opinions about any section of the population that could be identified by race, religion, gender, age, nationality, physical disability, economic situation, sexual preferences or any other lifestyle choice.
 Illegal ActivitiesSites that contain instructions, recipes, or advice on creating illegal items, such as explosives, or offer them for sale. Sites that give instruction on, advice about or promote of illegal acts.
 Illegal DrugsSites that sell illegal/controlled substances, promote substance abuse, or sell related paraphernalia.
News & Information  
 AutomotiveVehicle manufacturers, dealers and servicing are all covered by this category. Sites that allow traders or the general public to buy or sell vehicles. Clubs for specific manufacturers/models are applicable, as are discussion groups.
 Bulletin BoardsSites offering access to Usenet newsgroups or similar services, or any other discussion forum that doesn't fit well in another category.
 E-Mail SubscriptionsSites that allow users to register and cancel e-mail subscriptions, or provide mailing list services.
 GovernmentAll central and local government websites are applicable, as are related bodies and agencies.
 IT Bulletin BoardsSites offering access to PC newsgroups or similar services for IT, or any other discussion forum that doesn't fit well in another category.
 MilitarySites belonging to official military organizations or containing information relevant to their activities.
 NewsSites that report and deliver news, of interest to the general public, such as online news sites, printed or online newspapers, and current affairs sites (not focused exclusively on presenting entertainer news/gossip, etc.).  Sites focused on specific industry news (e.g. finance, travel, health, etc.) are listed in those specific categories. Sites focused on providing news, information, and/or gossip about celebrities and entertainers are listed under Entertainment.
 PoliticsSites that provide political information.
 Popular TopicsInformation concerning matters and affairs that rapidly gain public attention.
 Special EventsInformation concerning special events.
 Violence or SuicideAny site that displays or promotes content related to violence against humans or animals is placed in this category, as are sites that advocate any means of harming oneself such as self-mutilation or euthanasia.
Online Communication  
 Instant MessagesServices for downloading instant message software and other related information as well as client based instant messaging.
 Internet TelephonyAll sites that offer internet telephony/VoIP products and services.
 Web based chat Web-based chatrooms.
 Peer-to-Peer or TorrentsAll sites that facilitate the sharing of files using P2P software are placed in this category. This includes, but is not restricted to, sites that host P2P software and sites that allow users to search for files that can be downloaded using P2P software.
 Piracy & Copyright TheftSites that are clearly distributing copyrighted material in violation of the copyrights.
 SMS & Mobile Telephony ServicesThis category is used for sites that allow the creation or sending of SMS text messages. Sites that sell ringtones, games, videos, or other downloadable content.
 Web based MailAny site offering web-based email services is placed in this category.
Other  
 AbortionSites containing abortion information, legal issues, and organizations.
 Self HarmSites that contain examples or promotion of self-harm. This includes suicide, cutting, and advocacy of eating disorders.
 Uncategorized Sites that have not already been categorized.
Security  
 Advertisements or BannersAll advertising is placed in this category.
 BOT Phone HomeSites that are used by malware to receive information from the malware.
 BotnetsSites that are landing pages for botnets or are infected by botnets.
 DoH & DoTBoth DoT and DoH protocols provide encryption of DNS to prevent network operators from gaining visibility into the sites and services their users lookup (and then visit). DoT is essentially DNS over TLS, while DoH is DNS over HTTP over TLS.
 Content Delivery Networks & InfrastructureSites including CDN (Content Delivery Networks) or sites or hosts/servers that provide back end services or functions for sites that make the internet or network function. These can include DNS, gateways, and APIs.
 Hacking or CrackingResources for the illegal or questionable use of computer hardware or software are included here. Sites that describe how to gain unauthorized access to systems and that distribute copyrighted material that has been cracked to bypass licensing.
 Infected SitesSites that are infected with a virus or distribute viruses.
 KeyloggersSites that distribute or promote the use of keyloggers.
 MalwareSites that may contain malware or promote the distribution of malware. These sites may be infected by a virus.
 Mobile MalwareMobile sites that include mobile malware distribution or that can infect your mobile device.
 Phishing SitesSites that used in phishing attacks.
 Remote ProxiesAny site that operates as a web proxy, allows access to software that can bypass web filtering, or offers guidance on how web filtering can be avoided is listed in this category.
 Remote Desktop Control Sites that enable or distribute remote desktop control software or services.
 SPAMURLs that typically are contained in spam messages and are associated with mischievous or unsolicited efforts.
 SpywareSites hosting software that attempts to get hold of personal or secret information without the user's knowledge.
Social Media  
 FacebookThis category contains social networking sites (SNS) focused on both personal and professional services that are not contained within other categories with more granular controls. 
 LinkedInLinkedIn social networking site.
 TwitterTwitter social networking site.
 YouTubeYouTube social networking and streaming media site.
 InstagramInstagram social networking and messaging site.
 TumblrTumblr social networking and media sharing site.
 PinterestPinterest social networking site.
 Ask.fmAsk.fm site.
 WordPressWordPress site.
Society & Lifestyle  
 Advocacy in generalGeneral information provided by webmasters to promote their opinion on a subject or topic.
 Associations/Trade Groups/UnionsProfessional associations, trade groups, and unions websites, and sites promoting these groups.
 Philanthropy & Non-Profit OrganizationsSites that are, or provide services for, charities, non-profit organizations, foundations, trusts, fundraising events for non-profit and philanthropy organizations, and seeking donations.
 Recycling/EnvironmentSites that promote or provide information or services related to the environment, recycling and reuse of resources.
 Personal Web Pages/BlogsAny site that hosts personal pages created by an individual to contain content of a personal nature rather than a company, organization, institution, and so on. This category also contains personal blogs.
 Fashion & BeautyThese sites are related to the Fashion and Beauty industry.  Pages with models, clothing, and the discussion of current trends in fashion are found here.
 FitnessSites that primarily promote, discuss, or enable fitness. These include gyms, studios, on-demand, personal trainers, and information about fitness.
 Home & GardenSites related to renovation, maintenance and overall home projects. In addition, sites that discuss, educate, plan, or are related to gardening.
 EmploymentAll employment agencies, recruitment consultancies and headhunters, contractors, and agencies assisting anyone seeking employment are placed here. All sites that allow job vacancies to be posted, offer career advice, describe how to get through interviews or prepare a CV/resume. Includes Human Resource services, outsourcing, training, and technology related to HR. 
 Kids SitesSites that are safe for or of interest to kids. Kids sites may include games, educational portals, multimedia, and other sites that are of interest to children.
 OccultInformation concerning supernatural phenomena that cannot be scientifically explained or measured.
 ReligionsSites that relate to religion except for the traditional religions.
 Traditional ReligionsAll sites that relate to traditional religious belief or skepticism.
Technology  
 Computing & InternetAll sites related to computer hardware and software - including sales. News and current trends regarding the computing industry or internet are also applicable. Professional bodies within the IT industry are included.
 DDNSSites that provide Dynamic DNS service are listed here.
 EmoticonsSites that sell or provide emoticons.
 Hosting SitesSites that provide hosting services for websites.
 Infrastructure & Backend ServicesSites and IP addresses that are used to support sites and services that typically do not contain content, but are necessary for the function of various back-end services.
 Mobile App StoresSites that sell applications for mobile consumption.
 Mobile Apps & PublishersAny site whose primary function is to allow users to download mobile apps and/or a company prompting their mobile app products.  This does not include Mobile App markets that provide a wide range of mobile apps from two or more vendors.
 Newly Registered DomainsSites that have been newly registered within the last 30 days and have not already been categorized.
 No Content Active domains that return no content or no visible content. Does not include sites that are categorized as parked domains.
 Parked DomainsPlace holders for sites that have not been created yet or parked domains.
 Photo Search & Photo Sharing SitesPhoto search and sharing sites that can include social aspects for clubs or other organizations to share information including schedules and forums. This category can also include image hosting sites.
 Program DownloadsAny site whose primary function is to allow users to download computer programs (e.g. for PCs and Macintosh computers).  This does not include Mobile App markets, unless the site provides both computer and mobile apps.
 RingtonesSites that sell or provide ringtones.
 Search Engines & Portals

All search engines, meta-search engines, web directories such as yellow pages, business directories, etc., as well as internet portals (e.g. sites that contain links to numerous different content types such as News, Sports, Games, etc., all within the same site).

 Search Engine CachesSites that aggregate disparate information or allow users to search across large amounts of data.
 Storage ServicesSites that provide hosting for storage services.
 TranslatorsAll sites that translate a web page from one language to another, or that transform the text contained within a web page.
Travel  
 Public Agency Tourism

Sites that provide public travel information.

 Public Transit

Sites that provide public transit services and/or information about those services.

 Accommodations

Sites that provide hotels and holiday rental accommodation information.

 Travel & TourismSites related to the following travel topics: listed travel agents, travel advice, timetable information, and car hire.
Violence & Weapons  
 

Ammunition

Sites that sell ammunition. If sites contain guns, ammunition, and/or knives, they appear in this general Weapons category.
 GunsSites that sell or promote gun use. If sites contain guns, ammunition, and/or knives, they appear in this general Weapons category.
 KnivesSites that sell or promote knives used as weapons or for hunting purposes. If sites contain guns, ammunition, and/or knives, they appear in this general Weapons category.
 WeaponsAny site that sells weapons or advocates the use of weapons. If sites contain more than one of the following: guns, ammunition, and/or knives, they appear in this general Weapons category, except paintball and air guns.
 Terrorism or ExtremistsAny site that promotes, instructs, or advocates terrorism or extremism.