BrowseControl can prevent browsers from loading content, uploading and downloading files with its File Filter feature.

The File Filter is a list based on categories of file extensions that the administrator can allow or deny the users from downloading or uploading while they are surfing the Internet or cloud storage mediums.

By default, the File Filter contains the categories of images, layouts, audio, video executable files, and zipped files. The reason for this is that they are the most common categories of file types a website will need to retrieve from external websites or servers. In order for the website to load properly, the File Filter will allow the images and layout files on the website to be loaded without being blocked even though the files are not on the Allowed list.

NOTE: Prior to version 9.0.0 this feature was named “Download Filter”. That feature only worked on HTTP pages.

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How to use Download Filter

1. Under the BrowseControl menu on the left-hand side of the CurrentWare Web Console choose the More Options  button.
2. Select File Filter.
3. In the Category Name text box, add a name for the Download Filter and click on the Add button.
4. Click on the Add link under the File Type column for the category that you just created.
5. Add the file extensions that you want to Allow or Block.
6. After your file extensions have been added to the list, click OK.
7. In this window, under the permission column, select the correct Allowed or Blocked setting to define the permission you want to set for the category that you just created.

File type Permission Levels in the File Filter

There are 7 different permission types. When “Always Allow download/upload/upload & download” options are selected, the file extensions in the category will be allowed. When “Always Block download/upload/downloads & uploads” are selected, the file extensions in the category will be blocked. When “None” is selected, the file extensions in the category are not active and will be ignored.

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Allowed List

File types placed in an “allowed” list will be explicitly enabled for download, upload or both depending on your selection. This will allow your employees to move these file types unimpeded. You should only add file types to your allowed list that you have deemed reasonably safe or that are critical for day-to-day operations within your organization.

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Blocked List

File types placed in the blocked list for a given user, machine, or workgroup will be explicitly not permitted for download, upload or both by them. File types that you have deemed to be unnecessarily risky, unproductive, or otherwise inappropriate should be added to this list.