School internet filters are annoying, and it may be a nightmare when you would like to visit your favorite sites, and suddenly it is blocked. Luckily, these blocks can be overcome in a number of ways and within reasonable and ethical limits.
Why Do Schools Block Sites?
Schools employ the use of content filtering program, firewalls, proxy servers, and DNS filtering to block access to websites that they deem as distracting or inappropriate. This usually incorporates social media, streaming, and gaming. This is aimed at ensuring a healthy learning environment, securing students against malicious content and securing the network against security threats.
Understanding the Technology Behind Blocks
In attempting to visit a blocked site, one can block the request at different stages: your browser might be blocked in resolving the domain name of a site, a firewall might simply deny the connection, or a proxy server might filter your traffic. There are also a lot of school devices and networks that monitor online activity so that an attempt to bypass the blocks can be recorded.
Quick Workarounds for Access
In case you have a valid reason to unlock the blocked content, you can use some basic tricks:
Try HTTP/HTTPS Variations: In some cases, hitting the unsecured (http rather than https) or secure version of a URL will bypass simple filters.
URL Shorteners: Sometimes restrictions can be avoided by pasting the link to the blocked site into a URL shortener such as Bitly or TinyURL.
Google Cache & Translate: By searching the site on Google and clicking the cached link, or by using Google Translate as a proxy by translating the site using Google Translate to translate the site to a different language, it is sometimes possible to see the contents.
Use an IP Address: Sometimes typing the numerical address of the web site rather than the domain name may help you bypass simple domain filters, but this is not as effective with newer blocking technology.
Advanced Methods
Web Proxy Services: This is the online services which direct your browsing to the external server and hide the requests of your school network. A lot of proxies are blocked, and new ones can be created very often.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): VPNs secure your online traffic and pass it via servers in different places masking your real IP. VPNs are very efficient but they typically need software being installed, which is not possible on school computers.
Tor Browser: Tor hides your activity by sending your requests through a chain of encrypted servers located across the globe. It is mostly utilized to get privacy though is able to circumvent numerous blockages. Nevertheless, Tor is slow and can be blocked by school firewalls.
Mobile Hotspot: With the mobile hotspot feature of your phone, you can use the data of your mobile phone as a personal hotspot and avoid the school Wi-Fi altogether to connect to the internet in the same way you would on your cellular network.
Ethics and Warning
Avoiding school internet filters can be against school rules and possible repercussions include the loss of access to the network or suspension. Be careful and think about the reason why sites are blocked, in the first place, these restrictions are usually meant to safeguard you and your colleagues against security threats and distractions. Bypass techniques should never be used to do bad or illegal things.
Productive Alternatives
In case you require certain content to be accessed due to genuine educational or personal interests, request a teacher or IT administrator to provide access or sanctioned alternatives. In many cases, there are sanctioned materials or techniques which will not leave you in danger.
Final Thoughts
Internet blocks are irritating yet they are normally aimed at security and concentration. In case you do get around them, do so in the least invasive way possible, consider the possible risks involved and never disrespect the rules of your school. A responsible digital citizenship is the best policy and you can get the maximum out of your technology and that too, without any trouble.