FortiGate filtering solution

FortiGate filtering solution

As part of the Schools’ Internet Service, we provide a managed firewall combined with FortiGate’s advanced web filtering solution.

The FortiGate firewall and filtering services is designed to facilitate the effective provisioning of safeguarding in a school environment and meets legal mandates set out under the Prevent Duty and Keeping Children Safe Online.

While centrally managed and regularly updated, the service also allows schools to block websites they consider inappropriate, based on age groups and user profiles. Schools can generate a range of activity reports through their FortiGate portal. The solution applies filtering policies to the following user groups:

• Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 students
• Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students
• Key Stage 5 and Post-16 students
• Teaching staff
• Office administration staff

Depending on the school’s IT environment, these settings can be deployed using Active Directory Group Policies for seamless integration.

The solution is provided in partnership with MLL Telcom, based on their ‘Connect and Protect’ product and the existing Suffolk Cloud Network infrastructure.

This upgrade is part of an initiative to improve online safety and security measures for schools.

The FortiGate platform addresses the comments and feedback received from schools regarding the legacy Smoothwall platform. The new system aims to provide advanced filtering capabilities, ensuring a safer digital environment for both staff and students. It also includes enhanced reporting features. By implementing this service, the goal is to increase protection against emerging online threats while also streamlining access to educational resources.