Web Messages

Customize the text for web filtering messages displayed by Sophos UTM. Some messages are displayed when users are restricted from downloading files that are too large, are of a certain type, or contain a virus. Other messages are displayed when users attempt to access restricted websites or applications, while users are downloading files, or when users are required to authenticate with Sophos UTM. You can translate messages into other languages or, for example, modify the messages to show customer support contact information.

Note – The text entered in the fields of the Web Messages tab can be referenced in custom web templates. For more information, see chapter Web Templates.

The following messages are configurable:

  • Content Block
    • Surf Protection: This message is displayed when users attempt to access a webpage whose URL matches a category that is configured to be blocked or the site's reputation falls below the specified threshold. For more information, see Web Protection > Web Filtering.
    • Blacklist: This message is displayed when users attempt to retrieve a webpage that matches a blacklisted URL. To blacklist URLs, see Web Protection > Web Filtering > Policies > Website Filtering.
    • MIME Type: This message is displayed when users request a file that is a blocked MIME type. For more about specifying MIME types, see Web Protection > Web Filtering > Policies > Downloads.
    • File Extension: This message is displayed when users request a blocked file extension. For more about specifying file extensions, see Web Protection > Web Filtering > Policies > Downloads.
    • File Size: This message is displayed when users request a file that exceeds the file size limit. To configure download size limits, see Web Protection > Web Filtering > Policies > Downloads.
    • Application Control: This message is displayed when users attempt to use a type of network traffic that is configured to be blocked by Application Control. For more information, see Web Protection > Application Control.
    • Virus Detected: This message is displayed when a file is blocked due to a virus infection. For more information on configuring virus protection, see Web Protection > Web Filtering > Policies > Antivirus.
  • Download/Scan
    • Download in Progress: This message is displayed while a file is being downloaded. See Download Manager.
    • Virus Scan in Progress: This message is displayed while Sophos UTM scans files for malicious content. See Download Manager.
    • Download Complete: This message is displayed after a file has been fully downloaded, scanned, and determined safe. See Download Manager.
  • Authentication
    • Transparent Mode Authentication: This option only applies if you use Web Filtering in Transparent Mode, and you have selected the "Browser" authentication mode. For more information, see Web Protection > Web Filter Profiles > Filter Profiles. The text is displayed on the authentication page, where users must log in before using the Web Filter. If the Terms of Use field is filled in, a disclaimer is displayed on the authentication page. If this field is empty (as it is by default), a disclaimer is not displayed.
    • Bypass Content Block: This message is displayed when a page is blocked by Surf Protection and the option to bypass blocking option is enabled (see Web Protection > Filtering Options > Bypass Users). If the Terms of Use field is filled in, a disclaimer is displayed on the authentication page. If this field is empty (as it is by default), a disclaimer is not displayed.
  • Error
    • Server Error: This message is displayed if an error occurs while processing the user's request.
  • Administrator Information: Here you can enter information about the administrator managing the Web Filter, including the administrator's email address.

Modifying a Web Message

To modify a message, do the following:

  1. Select the message.

    From the Page drop-down list, select the end user message that you want to edit.

    The Subject and Description for that message are displayed.

  2. Modify the subject and/or description.

    Modify the default text as necessary.

  3. Click Apply.

    The text changes are saved.