Information Security: Identify a Blocked Website

This article explains what appears on a University-managed device when you attempt to access a website or URL that has been blocked for security reasons and gives instructions about who to contact if you believe a website has been blocked in error.

Understanding Blocked Websites on University-managed Devices

University Information Security (UIS) uses network protection settings on University-managed devices to block certain URLs and websites that are considered to be potentially dangerous. These websites could be delivering malware to University owned devices, running phishing scams, or may be otherwise increasing risk and posing threat to University systems and data. 

Identifying a Blocked Website

The following examples of what you might see on different browsers when you attempt to access a website that has been blocked by UIS for security purposes.

A note about error codes: differently numbered error codes indicate different things about the requested source website.

  • 403 Errors: Browsers on University-managed devices attempting to access a blocked website will display a 403 error. If you receive a 403 error when browsing a website, it could indicate that the website was blocked by UIS.

Microsoft Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge window reading "This website is blocked by your organization"

  • If you select the Visit the support page link, you will be taken to a Microsoft Edge support page explaining more about the error message.
  • If you select the Go back button, you will return to the page you were on immediately before attempting to access this website.

Google Chrome Browser
Google Chrome 403 error window showing access is denied

  • If you select the Reload button, Google Chrome will attempt to reload the page.

Mozilla Firefox Browser
Mozilla browser 403 error window reading "Looks like there's a problem with this site. Make sure you've typed the website address correctly. " Above a blue "Try Again" button

  • If you select the Try Again button, the Mozilla Firefox browser will attempt to reload the page.

Identifying Pop-Up Windows from Operating Systems

When attempting to access websites blocked by UIS, in addition to the errors reported by their browsers, you may also see pop-up windows generated by your operating system (OS). This can happen on devices using either MacOS or Microsoft.

MacOS Notification
Shield icon next to the following text "This content is blocked by your IT... For your protection, your IT admin is not allowing you to access content from...."

Windows Notification
Pop Up window stating "This content is blocked by your IT admin. For your protection, your IT admin is not allowing you to access content from _______" Above an OK button and a Feedback button

  • If you select OK, the dialog box will close.
  • If you select Feedback, you will be taken to a Microsoft feedback page outside the University system. (Note: this does not affect the blocked page for University-managed devices.)

Reporting a Website Blocked in Error

If you encounter any of these messages and believe that the website should not be blocked, send questions or feedback about the URL or website in question to UIS at [email protected]. When sending an email about a blocked website to UIS, please include "Requesting Review of Blocked Website" in the subject line and specify the details of the website you believe has been blocked in error (include the website's URL).

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