How to Configure URL Filtering in the Firewall

To allow or block web and application traffic to websites based on predefined URL categories, enable the URL filter in your access rules and configure application policies with URL policy objects. URL policy objects define which URL categories should be allowed or restricted. To use URL Filtering, you must have a Barracuda Web Security Subscription.

Before You Begin

Create a URL policy object to specify the URL categories that you want to allow or block. You can define exceptions to these categories by explicitly entering the URL of websites. For instructions, see URL Policy Objects.

Step 1. Enable URL Filtering in Access Rules

To use application policies with URL policy objects for web and application traffic, enable Application Control and URL filtering in your access rules.

1. Go to FIREWALL > Firewall Rules.
2. Create or edit an access rule for the connections that you want to apply the URL filter to. E.g., INTERNET-2-LAN
3. Enable Application Control and URL Filter. 
   
4. (Optional) Enable SSL Inspection to filter SSL-encrypted traffic.
5. Click Save.

Step 2. Apply the URL Policy Object to an Application Policy

Configure application policies to restrict access to URL categories specified in the URL policy object.

1. Go to FIREWALL > Application Policy.
2. Create a new policy rule or edit the entry you want to apply the URL policy to.
3. In the Add / Edit Policy Rule window, select the URL policy object from the URL Filter drop-own list.
   
4. Finish editing the policy rule and click Save.
5. (Optional) Reorder the application policies and click Save.