Security

Lightspeed Systems Upgrades Web Filter for Schools with New Features

• By Richard Chang
• 04/04/17

Texas-based ed tech company Lightspeed Systems has released Web Filter 3: Longhorn, a new version of its content filter for schools. The upgrade offers new features to facilitate user identification, activity reporting and safe web browsing, as well as hundreds of other enhancements, according to a news release.

Lightspeed Systems Web Filter 3: Longhorn was designed specifically for use in K–12 schools. With a reputation for robust filtering without over-blocking, the Lightspeed Systems web filter has been a content filter of choice for schools around the world since 1999, the company said. Web Filter 3: Longhorn’s new features include:

• An AI-driven database: Filters users with the most comprehensive and accurate database in the industry, powered by a machine learning robot army;
• A dynamic reporting engine: Offers comprehensive, drill-down, live and custom web activity reporting with detailed visibility into Google searches and YouTube video activity;
• Continuous user identification: Allows identification of users across networks — even if they switch devices — for accurate reporting and policy application;
• Flexible deployment: Users can host in the cloud, on scalable appliances, or in a private cloud;
• Customizable safe searching: Users can decrypt secure sockets layer (SSL) for in-depth visibility into search activity; enforce Bing SafeSearch, Google Safe Search, and moderate restricted or strict restricted YouTube access.

“As we developed Web Filter 3: Longhorn, we talked to hundreds of leaders in school IT about their biggest filtering challenges right now, incorporating their feedback into the product,” said Lightspeed Systems President and CEO Brian Thomas in a statement. “This upgrade offers all the features school districts need to efficiently filter all devices in today’s schools.”

To learn more about Lightspeed Systems and its new web filter, visit the company’s website and product website.