How to Configure ISA to Block Utorrent

ISA can be used to block torrent downloads.

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration (ISA) provides network administrators with a solution for monitoring and securing internal machines. One technology provided by an ISA server is filtering Internet websites and blocking downloads. Utorrent is an application used to download torrent files, which are large files that contain movies and music. Corporations typically block illegal downloads, which can be accomplished in the ISA control panel.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows Start button and click "All Programs." Click "Administrative Tools" from the list of options and then click the "Microsoft ISA Server Management Console." This opens the configuration manager.

2. Right-click the HTTP policy and select "Configure HTTP." This opens a new window. Click the "Signatures" tab and then click "Add." This opens the configuration window where you define the type of filter.

3. Enter a friendly name in the text box labeled "Name." This can be any recognizable name that you choose.

4. Select "Request headers" from the drop-down box labeled "Search In." In the text box labeled "HTTP Header," enter "Content-Type." In the "Signature" text box, enter "application/x-bittorrent." This filters Utorrent and any other torrent downloads on your local network.

5. Click the "OK" button to save your settings. Click the "OK" button again in the main configuration window and close the ISA manager console. Users are no longer able to download files using Utorrent.

References

• Linglom: Getting started with Microsoft ISA Server 2006, Part V: Configure HTTP Filter