Allowing Access to the Instagram Mobile App

Summary

This article covers how to Allow Instagram mobile application to work through a Smoothwall using MiTM HTTPS decryption.

Problem

Due to some URLs and Domains that the Instagram mobile application uses, it sometimes might fail when trying to connect through a Smoothwall without the following Solution in place.

Solution

Use case: This KB article is for use with iOS and Android version of the Instagram app.

1. Make sure your blocklist is up to date:
   1. In your Smoothwall on the SYSTEM menu, under the Licenses submenu, click Update.
2. Create a Guardian Web Filter policy for the newly released Instagram App [NEW] category and place it into an allow policy:
   1. On the GUARDIAN menu, under the Web filter submenu, click Manage policies.
   2. Click Create New Policy and use these settings: 
      • Who: Everyone*
      • What: Instagram App [NEW]
      • Where: Everywhere*
      • When: Always*
      • Action: Allow
   3. Click Confirm and Save.
   4. Make sure this is policy is below your Core Blocked Content block policy, which means the Instagram site is still blocked on desktop, but allowed on mobile devices.
3. Repeat this with a HTTPS Inspection Policy:
   1. On the GUARDIAN menu, under the HTTPS Inspection submenu, click Manage policies.
   2. Click Create New Policy use these settings:
      • Who: Everyone*
      • What: Instagram App [NEW]
      • Where: Everywhere*
      • When: Always*
      • Action: Do Not Inspect
   3. Click Confirm and Save.
   4. Make sure this policy is above any other Decrypt & Inspect policy because otherwise, it won't take affect.

*  These options should be amended as required on your setup.