Multi-application compatible filtering product Added i-FILTER® Browser & Cloud to iPads at Josho Gakuen Junior High School and High School
～ICT learning materials-compatible security measures implemented～

TOKYO, Japan (May 23, 2018) – Digital Arts Inc. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, CEO: Toshio Dogu, hereinafter referred to as “Digital Arts”, Code 2326) a leading provider of information security software, provided multi-application compatible internet filtering products in order to utilize iPads safely and securely at Josho Gakuen Junior High and High School (Location: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, hereinafter referred to as Josho Gakuen.)

In recent years, learning opportunities that utilize tablets have been increasing in educational settings, and as part of that browsing various learning applications and internet content has also expanded. As a result many iPads have been introduced in schools, and in most cases internet filtering did not work within applications that had their own internet browsing function, creating a loophole that administrators could not account for. Also, as many web-based learning content is geared for Safari, the fact that internet filtering products did not work with Safari was seen as problematic. Also, since many of the students who use iPads in schools are only just beginning to acquire information literacy skills, it is even more necessary to build a safe and secure environment for them. To do this, it is necessary to carry out efficient and smooth large-scale introduction of filters on devices every year and to stay up to date with day-to-day device management.

Starting in 2017, Josho Gakuen has provided each entering freshman in both junior and senior high schools with a Wi-Fi model iPad Air 2. Currently about 900 iPads, including students’, faculty members’ and lending devices, are in operation. They are used in various situations such as classes, school life, home-learning and so on. In promoting the use of the iPad, even if the student is using it properly for learning purposes, there is a possibility of accidentally accessing a phishing site, a fraudulent e-mail, or other such malicious content. There was also a demand from parents and guardians to implement internet filtering, and the school was evaluating various solutions to answer this demand.

At Josho Gakuen iPad use is not limited to within school grounds, and there are many occasions where iPads are used outside the school, such as home learning and extracurricular studies. Therefore, it was determined that it would be important to create an environment with the same internet filtering environment anytime, anywhere. With i-FILTER Browser & Cloud with MultiAgent for iOS, it is possible to filter internet communications for all applications installed on the iPads such as chat, SNS, news, maps, and others. This allows the filtering of inappropriate internet content while also supporting learning. In addition, it can filter internet communication regardless of the browser used, so students can use browsers recommended by the manufacturer in order to access web-based learning content.

In addition, Josho Gakuen intends to provide iPads every year to each new student, which will mean the management of 2,100 devices in total. Since Josho Gakuen has already implemented a proxy type i-FILTER for internet filtering on PCs before, the implementation and management of i-FILTER Browser & Cloud MultiAgent for iOS would be smooth for the school after introduction, i-FILTER Browser & Cloud MultiAgent for iOS also allows the management of all devices in the cloud, eliminating the need to add servers, leading to cost reduction when looked at in the long-term. Regarding the initial setting of the iPad, it is easy to start using the filtering function – the student’s iPad simply needs to install the iOS app, which means less work for administrators in the medium to long term.

Josho Gakuen’s goal is to change how education is provided by giving individual teachers the freedom to conduct lessons as they see fit. In order for them to realize such goals, we will continue to improve the functionalities of i-FILTER Browser & Cloud MultiAgent for iOS. This will assist in utilizing new technologies to allow new educational methods and further the quality of educations schools can provide.

By further developing i-FILTER Browser & Cloud endpoint internet security to realize a safe and secure internet environment, we aim to continue offering solutions to security issues in corporate, educational and public markets.