How to Setup LAN Internet Monitoring

Is there a certain program you use?

[naitsirhc26]

Hello,

I would like to somehow use a monitoring system to be sure all computers using my LAN are visiting appropriate websites, etc...not just adult sites - but in the case that I find they are downloading suspicious material that could potentially put all of our computers at risk.

Is there a certain program you use for this? I would preferably like a program that just has to be installed on my computer - and then can just monitor what websites are being called through the router by each computer's unique IP address. Is this possible?

And of course - are there any open source/free programs you know of?

I am also somewhat versed in calling upon my router through IP address, setting protections, etc...so is there any way to manually control this?

Thank you!

[coopster]

Some routers have software "built-in" that allow you to monitor, filter, deny, report etc. this type of activity. One option you may find useful is the open source project Snort [snort.org]. Snort is a network intrusion prevention and detection system but I have seen it used well beyond that in both small and large shops. There are open source interfaces including a PHP-based browser interface that allow you to administer the application from a familiar interface.

[naitsirhc26]

Thank you for the link. I will check it out.

Also, I am just now learning about using netstat in command prompt - and I have found that I can use the command "netstate router'sipaddressgoeshere", and see what websites are being called upon throughout the network.

Has anyone used netstat in this way?