Proxy Reports - Firewall Analyzer

As a security administrator, you know that the proxy server is going to be an integral part of network security. The proxy server secures the internal user (intranet) from the external server (internet). It prevents the external server from identifying the internal network users. Further, it hides the internal network users details from the query to access a file, webpage in the external network. You have to manage the internet usage of your employees and make their internet access secure.

Based on performance and efficiency, network administrators choose different proxy servers to suit their needs. This includes Transparent proxy, Anonymous proxy, Protocol based proxies, Accessibility based proxies (Public and private), Mobile proxy, Data center proxy etc.

Why do you need a proxy report?

Your network users keep complaining that the internet connection is slow. You have to ascertain who is using the internet excessively, and which websites or domains users are accessing that makes the internet connection slow. Other causes could be the users trying to access the denied URLs, domains, and websites.

To overcome this issue, you need a proxy log reporting tool that analyzes proxy server logs and generates proxy server reports. With proxy reporting software, you can manage internet usage and secure internet access for your organization. In some cases the proxy server is combined with the firewall, but even when it is not you will need a firewall proxy server report to manage details about the firewall proxy server.

Firewall Analyzer is a proxy server reporting software. It extracts internet transaction information about your internal network users from the proxy server reports.

Challenges in creating proxy reports:

• Maintaining accuracy:

Proxy servers can be configured to store only specific types of data, which can limit the scope and detail of the information available for reporting. This selective data storage often leads to inaccuracies, as crucial user activities or patterns may go unrecorded. Additionally, tracking and reporting on user activity becomes increasingly difficult in scenarios involving encrypted connections (e.g., HTTPS traffic) or users accessing the network from multiple devices. The inability to correlate activities across such environments further compromises the reliability of the reports.

• Lack of report customization:

Proxy reports often lack a standardized protocol, making it challenging to compare data across different systems or integrate reports with existing tools and workflows. The diversity of organizational requirements further complicates the issue. Reporting needs vary widely depending on factors such as industry, compliance requirements, and internal policies. For instance, an educational institution may prioritize monitoring bandwidth usage, whereas a financial organization might focus on detecting unauthorized access. The absence of a one-size-fits-all solution results in organizations struggling to tailor proxy reports to meet their specific needs effectively.

• Scalability challenges:

As the number of users and network requests increases, the volume of data generated by proxy servers grows exponentially. Collecting, storing, and analyzing these large volumes of proxy log data can become a significant challenge. High data volumes require robust infrastructure and efficient data processing mechanisms. Without these, organizations risk delays in report generation and potential data loss, undermining the value of the reports. Furthermore, scalability issues can hinder the ability to generate real-time insights, which are critical for proactive decision-making.

• Ensuring data security:

Data security is a major concern when handling sensitive information through proxy servers. Some organizations may be reluctant to store sensitive or confidential data on their proxy servers, fearing data breaches or unauthorized access. This caution limits the data available for reporting, potentially leaving gaps in the reports.

On the other hand, organizations that store sensitive data must ensure that proxy reports exclude confidential information while still providing stakeholders with actionable insights. Striking this balance can be challenging, as over-cautious data filtering may render reports ineffective, while insufficient filtering might expose the organization to compliance risks or breaches of confidentiality.

How Firewall Analyzer helps you securely manage the internet access of your network users?

With Firewall Analyzer proxy server report software, you can ascertain which users access most of the proxy server traffic, and which users are viewing the allowed URLs or desperately trying to access the denied URLs. The tool alerts you in real time about the specific user, host, and bandwidth usage.

With Firewall Analyzer you can determine:

• The allowed and denied URLs
• The allowed and denied URL categories
• The user accessing the internet and having the most conversations
• The domains, websites, and webpages accessed most
• The denied requests
• The denied users
• The identified proxy viruses
• The cache code is using more cache
• The most commonly returned HTTP status code and operation

Which URLs are getting accessed?

The proxy reports provide extensive information about the URLs accessed. You can find out which user is attempting to access the denied URLs and URL categories. With this report, generated via a proxy reporting server, you can assess the threat potential. You can also ascertain which URL and URL category is accessed more and by which users. This gives you the internet usage pattern so you can modify the allowed URLs and URL categories to suit your organization's business requirements.

The details of web access

Firewall Analyzer's proxy report provides detailed information about the web domains, websites, and individual web pages accessed by users. By examining this data, network administrators can uncover web access patterns, including which sites are most frequently visited and by whom. This insight helps organizations understand how the internet is being utilized within the network and identify any potential misuse or policy violations. Moreover, the ability to monitor web access in detail is crucial for optimizing internet usage, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and improving productivity.

Who and what requests are denied?

The proxy log report is essential for identifying users who repeatedly attempt to access restricted websites or URL categories. These logs provide comprehensive details about denied requests, including the specific URLs being targeted and the frequency of access attempts. By analyzing this data, administrators can pinpoint persistent offenders and assess the potential security risks associated with these actions. The insights gained from denied request logs also enable organizations to refine access policies, address potential vulnerabilities, and prevent unauthorized activities.

The proxy viruses

This report captures detailed information about viruses and malicious entities specific to the proxy server environment. Identifying these threats early allows administrators to take timely anti-virus measures and safeguard the network from further compromise. The report also helps organizations track the origins of proxy-related attacks, enabling them to implement more robust security measures to prevent future incidents. By addressing proxy-specific viruses effectively, organizations can ensure a safer browsing environment for their users.

Who is conversing more through the proxy server?

The proxy report highlights users and hosts generating the highest volume of conversations or requests through the proxy server. This data allows administrators to assess whether the activity aligns with business requirements or constitutes a potential misuse of resources. Additionally, the report identifies active users and hosts across both LAN and WAN environments, providing insights into the most active network components. Understanding these patterns helps in optimizing network performance and ensuring bandwidth is allocated appropriately to critical business operations.

How is the proxy server report used?

This usage report delves into the operational aspects of the proxy server, offering a detailed view of cache utilization and HTTP activity. Cache code-wise reports provide information on how effectively the proxy server is leveraging cache storage to enhance performance. Additionally, HTTP status codes and operations are analyzed to understand server performance and identify potential issues. By monitoring these metrics, organizations can optimize their proxy server's functionality, ensuring seamless and efficient internet access for users.

Firewall Analyzer’s proxy reports offer a unified, in-depth approach to managing internet usage in your organization. By providing insights into user behavior, security risks, and proxy server performance, it equips network administrators with the tools needed to secure and optimize network access. With these capabilities, you can safeguard users from external vulnerabilities and ensure that internet usage aligns with your organization’s operational and security objectives. Download a 30-day free trial version of Firewall Analyzer today!

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