Member Avatar for utkarshsahu

So, I have this filter at home which my parents installed so that i control my computer usage. The name of the software is "Blue Coat k9 web protection alert". I was ok with it for a few days but after observing for couple of weeks, it began to annoy me seriously. It blocked even the most basic sites like Google Images, facebook.com, twitter.com, youtube.com, etc which i regularly used. I told my parents but they said no to removing filter. SO guys, do you know of any methods to bypass these sorts of filters?
PS:- The methods like using proxy sites doesn't work(I have tried it before).
I also tried using Onion routing browser TOR but it blocked that too.
I wrote a small shell script which contiuously killed its process till it began to non respond. But when it non responds, it blocks all internet access, so that too was not successful. Pls tell me of any other method.

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Short summary and practical context tied to the thread: the filter described by is a locally installed parental-control product (Blue Coat / K9) that is intentionally hard to remove and designed to fail-safe — when its protection or connection to its classification service is lost it can block all web access. This explains the “K9 not responding / all internet blocked” behaviour after killing its process and why simple web proxies or Tor were also prevented. (en.wikipedia.org)

A compact, safe troubleshooting checklist (collect facts before taking any action):

  • Check whether the block page shows “K9 Web Protection” or Blue Coat branding — that proves the client is doing the filtering.
  • Test another device on the same home network (phone on Wi‑Fi vs. on mobile data). If other devices can reach the sites, the filter is installed on the original computer; if all devices are blocked, it may be a router/ISP or DNS-level filter.
  • Record the exact blocked URLs, timestamps, and take screenshots of block pages and error messages (useful when asking for an exception or a site review).
  • Look for an “override” or “Request Site Review” option on the block page — K9 has admin override and site‑review features that permit legitimate unblocking when authorised. (fr.scribd.com)

Non-technical next steps and cautions:

  • Present collected evidence and a short, specific whitelist request to whoever manages the filter (parents). Offer a time-based compromise (study windows, homework exceptions). Mentioning the program’s site‑review/override flow makes the request concrete. (fr.scribd.com)
  • Avoid attempts to hack, delete drivers, or repeatedly kill the filter service: K9 is built to resist tampering and such attempts can fully disable browsing or destabilize the system (and will damage trust at home). (learn.microsoft.com)

Notes on longevity: K9 has been retired and unsupported for years; families still using it should consider modern, supported parental‑control solutions or router-based controls that are easier to manage jointly. (en.wikipedia.org)

Comments on earlier suggestions: , and offered technical workarounds that can work in some scenarios, but those options either bypass local policy (risking trust) or may be blocked by the same product; gathering the diagnostic evidence above first keeps any follow-up honest and actionable.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

So I use this at home on my kids :)

If you use a bootable Linux CD that has a browser, that will take care of the browsing issue since K9 wouldn't be running. Alternatively, install VM software and install a guest VM.

It would be best if you have a conversation with your parents to customize the K9 settings to allow some of the sites that are being blocked.

Member Avatar for rubberman

Install Linux in a virtual machine that uses bridged networking (so the VM gets a fresh DHCP address from the family router). Then, use that for web surfing. That should completely bypass the Windows filtering tools. Also, have you tried browsers other than IE, such as Firefox, Chrome, or Opera?

Member Avatar for slacke

Maybe you can try to use encrypted connection to the proxy. If the application is watching your HTTP traffic and use this data to decide wheter to alow or not the traffic this can bypass it. (Its just an idea)

Member Avatar for utkarshsahu

If you use a bootable Linux CD that has a browser, that will take care of the browsing issue since K9 wouldn't be running. Alternatively, install VM software and install a guest VM.

Thank you. It is a great help to me.

Also, have you tried browsers other than IE, such as Firefox, Chrome, or Opera?

Yes i have used all browsers that you have mentioned plus some other browsers too but it doesn't work.

Maybe you can try to use encrypted connection to the proxy. If the application is watching your HTTP traffic and use this data to decide wheter to alow or not the traffic this can bypass it

The filter doesn't allow me to access proxy servers and completely blocks access to all proxy sites.

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