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Netskope Global Technical Success (GTS)

How to Block Google Doodle Games

 

Netskope Cloud Version - 121

 

Objective

This article provides a step-by-step guide to blocking access to Google Doodle games using URL filtering techniques, helping administrators tailor network content access to meet professional or educational standards.

 

Prerequisite

Netskope SWG license is required

 

Context

Google Doodles are widely recognized for their creative and interactive designs, often featuring games that can attract user attention. While they offer entertainment, some organizations may seek to restrict access to these games to maintain productivity or ensure compliance with internet usage policies. This document provides a step-by-step guide on using URL filtering techniques to block access to Google Doodle games, allowing administrators to customize and manage content visibility across their networks effectively.

 

Procedure

Step 1: Identifying the URL Pattern.

Google Doodle games use the parent domain www.google.com for their connections, making it challenging to block access through standard URL categorization methods. Therefore, we will use URL regex options to target these games specifically. By monitoring individual URLs within each request, we can develop a regex collection that effectively restricts access to Google Doodle games without impacting other Google services.

To effectively block access to Google Doodle games, the first step is to restrict search queries related to Doodle games. This involves identifying possible keywords that users might search for to reach a Doodle game page, allowing us to block access at the search level.

 

Users typically land on Google Doodle games when they include the word "doodle" in their search query. For example:

https://www.google.com/search?q=google+doodle

https://www.google.com/search?q=google+doodles

https://www.google.com/search?q=google+doodle+game

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Additionally, users may directly search for popular Doodle game names, such as "Pacman" or "Minesweeper":

https://www.google.com/search?q=pacman

https://www.google.com/search?q=minesweeper

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Step 2: Building the URL Regex Expression

Using the URL patterns identified in Step 1, we have constructed the following URL regex:

 

^www\.google\.com\/.*fnfx.*

^www\.google\.com\/search\?q=.*doodles.*

^www\.google\.com\/search\?q=.*doodle.*

^www\.google\.com\/.*pacman.*

^www\.google\.com\/.*minesweeper.*

 

Step 3: Configuring Custom URL Category and Real-Time Policy

  • Configure a URL filtering profile.

Path: Netskope Tenant UI >>> Profiles >>> URL List >>> New URL List

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  • Set up a Custom URL Category .

Path: Netskope Tenant UI >>> Profiles >>> Custom Categories >>> New Category

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  • Configure a Real-Time Protection Policy.

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Verification

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Terms and Conditions

  • All documented information undergoes testing and verification to ensure accuracy.
  • In the future, it is possible that the application's functionality may be altered by the vendor. If any such changes are brought to our attention, we will promptly update the documentation to reflect them.

 

Notes

  • This article is authored by Netskope Global Technical Success (GTS).
  • For any further inquiries related to this article, please contact Netskope GTS by submitting a support case with 'Case Type – How To Questions'.

 

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