Tag Archives: bypass authentication

CyBlock/Cyfin Release 9.2.5 Now Available

Release 9.2.5 contains many improvements to the Authentication Manager in CyBlock Appliance and CyBlock Software, specifically for Bypass Authentication. These changes should help with troublesome Web applications that fail to authenticate and reduce the number of prompts for authentication. In addition, enhancements were made to the installer interface, Interactive Reporting, and Logon Accounts. The enhancements are highlighted below.

  • Authentication Manager (CyBlock Appliance, CyBlock Software)
    • The sections on the Bypass tab have been renamed “Bypass List” and “Bypass Monitor.”
    • For the Bypass List:
      • Entries can now be filtered by URL/domain, user-agent, and count.
      • The way in which entries are loaded into the Bypass List from the Wavecrest URL List has changed.
      • URLs/domains and user-agents are consolidated when similar entries exist.
    • For the Bypass Monitor:
      • Entries can now be filtered by IP address, initial time, URL/domain, and user-agent.
      • A Tooltip now displays for long URLs/domains and user-agents, which are truncated.
      • The retention period for entries is now 10 minutes. If a URL is still in the list when the period expires, it is automatically deleted.
      • An entry is displayed in the Bypass Monitor after a set minimum time, and moved to the Bypass List when the count exceeds a set threshold and the set minimum time is exceeded.
  • InstallAnywhere Interface (CyBlock Directory Agent, CyBlock Software, Cyfin)
    • The installer has been updated with our latest product images providing a better look and feel.
  • Interactive Report Password (CyBlock Appliance, CyBlock Software, Cyfin)
    • Interactive Reporting has been enhanced to prevent users from inadvertently changing the password for the account for viewing interactive reports. Users need to contact their administrator if they have forgotten the report password.
  • Manager Access (CyBlock Appliance, CyBlock Software, Cyfin)
    • In User Management – Logon Accounts, the Operator role has been renamed “Manager” to more accurately describe the account user of the product.
  • Live Support
    • Chat assistance is now available in the full version of the product where you can talk to Customer Service or Technical Support over live chat. This feature is another way in which you can ask questions about our products.

There are also corrections in this release. To see the full release notes for your product, visit our Web site or knowledge base. You can upgrade to the latest release by going to the Help – Check for Updates screen in your product.

For additional assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Managing Web Application Authentication Problems with Wavecrest Proxy Products

In order to obtain usernames for filtering and/or reporting purposes in CyBlock Proxy, Cyfin Proxy, or CyBlock Appliance, authentication must be enabled. An issue that arises with authentication is that there are some Web apps and URLs/Domains that do not respond to the authentication request properly.  Because of this, in versions 6.2.0 and 8.2.0 we added the Authentication Manager in CyBlock Proxy, Cyfin Proxy and the CyBlock Appliance.

The Authentication Manager helps prevent these issues by automatically detecting the disruptions, identifying the failed applications, and employing automatic authentication-bypass techniques (when authentication is enabled in Moderate mode). This allows users to bypass proxy authentication (not the proxy server) with those web sites and web applications that do not properly respond to the proxy authentication request.  An example of this is your offensive line in a football game.  Just like your offensive line creates a hole for the running back to run through, bypass authentication opens a hole in the proxy so that the request can go through. The request will bypass authentication but not the proxy.

To learn more about proxy authentication and the Authentication Manager, read our document “Managing Web Application Authentication Problems” and see your product manual for specific instructions on fully utilizing the Authentication Manager.

New Releases: CyBlock 6.2.0 and Cyfin 8.2.0

New versions of CyBlock and Cyfin were recently released.  You can download the latest release by going to the Administration – Product Update screen. Below are a list of enhancements for each product.

CyBlock Proxy, Cyfin Proxy and CyBlock Appliance Enhancements

  • Proxy Server Authentication. New authentication options are now available on the Setup – Proxy screen.  Options include Strict, Moderate, and Disable (if disabled, IP addresses will be used).  The default setting is Moderate.  These options affect how bypass authentication is handled on the new Authentication Manager.
  • Authentication Manager. Complementing the new proxy server authentication options is the Authentication Manager. This screen allows the administrator to manage improperly authenticating URL/domains, web applications and user-agents. The Authentication Manager is located at Advanced Settings – Proxy Settings – Authentication Manager.
  • PAC File Configuration. This new screen allows for easy PAC file configuration that you can push out to all browsers. It is located at Advanced Settings – Proxy Settings – PAC File Configuration.
  • Product News. With this release, we have added the ability for administrators to get product news alerts via email.  This setting is found on the Administration – Product News – Setup page.  NOTE: The default setting is “Do not email.”

CyBlock ISA Enhancements & Updates

  • Forefront TMG Support. Support is now available for Microsoft Forefront TMG for both filtering and reporting.
  • Product News. With this release, we have added the ability for administrators to get product news alerts via email.  This setting is found on the Administration – Product News – Setup page.  NOTE: The default setting is “Do not email.”
  • ISA Server 2000 No Longer Supported. With this latest upgrade, there is no longer support for ISA Server 2000.

Cyfin Reporter Enhancements

  • New Logfile Support for the following:
    • Microsoft Forefront TMG Support
    • Watchguard Firebox 11 with Syslog
    • Astaro Security
  • Product News. With this release, we have added the ability for administrators to get product news alerts via email.  This setting is found on the Administration – Product News – Setup page.  NOTE: The default setting is “Do not email.”

Use the following links to access the full release notes for your Wavecrest product.

If you have any questions about any of the new features or upgrading, please contact Support.

Email: support@wavecrest.net
Phone (Toll-free): 877-442-9346, ext. 4 (U.S. and Canada)
Phone (Direct): 321-953-535, ext. 4