Cyber Patrol Review

Price
$39.95 (subscription)

Trials & Specials

Free 14-day Trial

Pros: Installation was easy, fast and did not require a reboot. (You will need to close all browsers however). Synchronize settings between computers, windows user integration for automatic login, very granular customization (great for technical administrators).

Cons: Can be confusing if you’ve never used Internet filtering software (User setup is confusing and tedious). Logging out is not intuitive, Confusing Interface, Awkward navigation, Limited reporting, and very granular customization (makes it overwhelming and confusing).

Summary
CyberPatrol’s Internet filter was one of the most feature heavy products we reviewed. From application blocking, stealth mode, time allowance and many more, CyberPatrol had the most features of all products. Although the product had all of the right features it was not the most intuitive to use.
CyberPatrol blocked only 65% of the objectionable websites tested and Over-blocked on only 15% of the “safe” websites tested.
The reporting/monitoring tools are simple but not very robust and need a lot of work. For a somewhat technically inclined user CyberPatrol is a great product and allows for full customization..

Installation/Setup
CyberPatrol 7.6 was very easy to download and install. With a footprint of 12MB it took only a few minutes to download on a Broadband connection (May take 10-20 minutes on dial-up). You are given two choices: Typical – recommended for most users and Advanced – used to change install directory, if you’re on a domain or if you need to configure a proxy.


You are then prompted to create a Headquarters password and password hint. This will be used to manage, uninstall, disable and override the product. Finally you are asked to choose your environment (Home, Library, School, Business…) and the User Type (Child, Teen, Adult, Monitor Only…)


Management
CyberPatrol 7.6 provides you with a “Headquarters Toolbar”. This will give administrators easy access to manage the product and allow users to see if they are logged-in. This toolbar can be accessed from your start menu or by clicking on the CyberPatrol icon in the task bar.


From the toolbar, Administrators can Manage User Profiles, Customize Filter Settings, View Reports, access Online Administration and view extended features. There is no easy way to logoff, users are required to switch to the “default” user (potential security issue).



Accuracy
Administrators are given the choice to filter on 13 different categories. Each category’s sensitivity can be adjusted to fit your needs. CyberPatrol comes with 7 preconfigured category settings including: Adult (Security), Adult (productivity & Security), Mature Teen, Young Teen, Child, Custom and Yes List.

We tested 2 lists of websites including: adult image searches, MySpace.com accounts, Hate oriented websites, websites that promote hacking, drug use, gambling, adult humor, etc…