Blocking Gambling Websites with IPFire

IPFire provides powerful tools to block unwanted content, including gambling websites. By using its built-in web proxy and content filtering features, you can effectively prevent access to gambling domains across your network. This tutorial will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Enable the Web Proxy

To use IPFire’s content filtering features, the web proxy must be enabled.

1. Log into the IPFire Web Interface.
2. Go to Services > Web Proxy.
3. Under Proxy Settings, check Enable on Green (or Blue if applicable).
4. Click Save.

Step 2: Enable URL Filtering

Now, activate content filtering:

1. Go to Services > URL Filter.
2. Check Enable URL Filter.
3. Check Enable Blacklist.
4. Click Save and Restart.

Step 3: Download and Enable Blacklists

1. Navigate to Services > URL Filter > Blacklists.
2. Under Download Blacklists, select a provider like Shalla’s Blacklist or URLBlacklist.
3. Click Download and Apply.

Step 4: Configure Gambling Category Blocking

1. Go to Services > URL Filter > Categories.
2. Locate and check the box for Gambling.
3. Click Save and Restart.

Step 5: Manually Block Additional Gambling Websites

If needed, manually add gambling websites to be blocked:

1. Go to Services > URL Filter > Custom Blacklist.
2. Add gambling domains (e.g., bet365.com, pokerstars.com).
3. Click Save and Restart.

Step 6: Enforce Filtering with Transparent Proxy

To ensure filtering applies to all users:

1. Go to Services > Web Proxy.
2. Check Enable Transparent Mode.
3. Click Save.

Step 7: Test the Configuration

Attempt to visit a gambling website from a client machine. If properly configured, the request should be blocked.

Step 8: Monitor and Maintain Filtering

Regularly update blacklists and review logs under Logs > Web Proxy Logs to ensure proper enforcement.

Next Steps

By following these steps, you can effectively block gambling websites using IPFire. Consider expanding filtering for other content categories as needed for your network security.