Kerio Control Web Filter Is Not Activated Categorization Is Disabled Work Link

The "Kerio Control Web Filter is not activated / categorization is disabled" issue typically stems from connectivity failures to backend servers or license validation errors. Primary Causes and Solutions

2. Resolve "Invalid Authorization" and Token Errors

Note: This will restart the Kerio Control service and may cause a brief internet interruption. The "Kerio Control Web Filter is not activated

Remember:

A web filter without categorization is like a guard dog without teeth. Fix it immediately to maintain your network’s security and productivity policy. Go to Kerio Control Admin Console → Licenses

| Misconception | Reality | |---------------|---------| | “I have a valid firewall license, so Web Filter should work.” | Web Filter requires a separate add-on subscription. | | “Categorization disabled means no filtering at all.” | Basic domain/URL blocking still works via custom lists. | | “Restarting the appliance fixes this.” | Only if the service was stuck; licensing and connectivity issues persist. | | “HTTPS inspection must be on for categorization.” | False – categorization works on the domain extracted from SNI or URL, even without full HTTPS decryption. | nslookup mcafee

• Go to Kerio Control Admin Console → Licenses.
• Ensure you have an active Kerio Control Web Filter license (often a paid add-on).
• If the license is expired or missing, categorization will remain disabled.

nslookup mcafee.url.cloud.gfi.com

Check License Status

: In the Kerio Control Webadmin Dashboard, verify that the "Kerio Control Web Filter" component shows as active and has not exceeded its download limits.