When utilizing a proxy server, it is important to consider how its configuration will need to be set to enable the device to function as it is intended. The proxy server configuration will affect all users who connect to the internet through the proxy, so the options set will be felt by a large population. A proxy server has the ability to control the traffic that passes through it, and a misconfiguration can cause a great inconvenience universally. The initial proxy server configuration should be well planned and put in place based on directives set forth by management. Company policies dictate how internet use is authorized and governed. Some proxy server configuration rules can affect all connecting users, and some are intended to segregate different rule sets and restrictions based on the job role of the connecting users. Globally placed proxy server configuration rules are generally security-oriented. These rules control what goes to all computers, even executives and administrators that are allowed unfettered internet access. The exact proxy server configuration settings in this case are those that monitor for virus file transfers and programs that are generally undesirable. It also can be used to diminish offensive content, searching out key words in the text contained on web pages, and blocking them based on an industry standardized rating system. The proxy server configuration will dictate the exact content of the sites that are considered of a level that should be blocked by the acceptable use policy. For an existing proxy server, any changes should be submitted to a team approval process, or okayed by management, before they are put into production. A change that might seem harmless could have an affect on systems or applications that depend on web access for proper function. An extra set of eyes is always prudent before making a proxy server configuration change that could affect hundreds of system users.
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