Data Security | News

Barracuda Web Filter and Web Security Flex Integrate with YouTube for Schools

• By Leila Meyer
• 01/18/12

Barracuda Networks has integrated its Web Filter and Web Security Flex tools with YouTube for Schools. YouTube for Schools provides comment-free access to approved videos. Schools using Barracuda Web Filter and Web Security Flex can control students' access to YouTube materials.

YouTube for Schools was launched in December 2011. The educational portal of the popular video sharing site provides schools with access to free educational videos from organizations such as Stanford University, PBS, TED, Khan Academy, Steve Spangler Science, and Numberphile. Teachers and administrators can log in and watch any of the videos, but students can access only those videos their school has approved.

"The YouTube for Schools portal provides access to valuable educational content for our staff and students without the concern of inappropriate content or comments," said Karen Palmer, director of technology at Billings Public Schools in Montana.

Barracuda Web Filter is an on-premises Web filtering and anti-malware product, which is available as either a hardware or virtual appliance. Barracuda Web Security Flex is a cloud-based Web security tool that enables administrators to enforce common Internet usage policies across their organizations. Both tools now integrate with YouTube for Schools.

Key features of Barracuda Networks' integration with YouTube for Schools include:

• Ability to enable access to YouTube for Schools through Barracuda's management portals;
• Automatic redirection of all YouTube access requests to the YouTube for Schools educational portal;
• Teacher accounts that do not have the restrictions of student or anonymous user accounts; and
• Ability for students to connect directly with the educational portal's materials that are provided by teachers.

Further information about integration of Barracuda Web Filter and Web Security Flex with YouTube for Schools is available on the Barracuda Networks site.