How to enable Windows firewall
Well to start it off, Microsoft began implementing their own firewall software ever since the launch of Windows XP. From there, every new version of Windows should have a firewall software preinstalled. With that in mind, you should know that Windows Firewall is automatically disabled by default. Now, in order to sleep safe knowing your windows is protected, we need to manually configure the firewall settings.
GUI
- When dealing with the GUI, Control Panel is your friend. To get into Control Panel, just hit the start button and a search bar should pop up. Type in Control Panel and click that enter key.
- To get into the firewall menu, go through System and Security and click firewall.
System and Security > Firewall
3. If you done this correctly, Firewall should be in 2 states. Either Enabled or Disabled. If your firewall is enabled, then you’re done! But if your firewall is disabled, Just select Turn on Windows Firewall and hit OK then you’re done!
CLI
For more advance users out there who wants to establish Firewall states without clicking buttons, the most efficient is to use the command line. Run the cmd command as administration and type the command below.
NetSh Advfirewall set allprofiles state <subsitute this with on or off>
The command above sets all profiles firewall state to either on or off. Simple and efficient.
You can also view your Windows Firewall status without the use of GUI.
NetSh Advfirewall show allprofiles
Adding Rules to Firewall
Let’s dig deep. Using default Windows Firewall is not enough to secure the connection of a tech wizard’s computer. Open up Windows Firewall with Advance Security. To do this, just head over to the GUI Windows Firewall menu and go to Advance Setting. Now, you can either choose Inbound or Outbound connection. Inbound means you’re protecting the connection against the internet, preventing malware and other scary dangerous packets out there. Outbound protects the network within. Usually protects outgoing traffic coming inside your own network. When you decide which one you want to use, click the Action button located at the Windows bar and tap New Rule section.
Specifying the type of Rule
There are 4 types of Rules. Program, Port, Predefined, and Custom. Let’s configure TCP/UDP, so we’ll use the Rule Type : Port. Click Next and you’ll begin specifying Protocols and Port. Your port can either be apply to UDP or TCP. Choose the correct one that targets your Port. After that, you need to define the port itself. Choose Specific/Remote Ports and enter your the port you wish to to add. Once everything is filled in, Click next and head onto Action.
Action Tab
Once you targeted your desired rule type and which type you’re applying the rule for, it’s time to put it into action. What will Firewall do once it found that specific port? You can do 3 things.
- Allow the connection
- Allow the connection if secured
- Block the connection
If you want that specific port to be allowed in either outbound or inbound connection, then choose Allow the connection. If you don’t want to deal that type of port, then stroll along and hit the Block the connection. These actions is basically specifying if you want to accept or deny traffic.
Network Location
The next section is to specify the network connection. There is Domain, Private, and Public. Ask yourself : What type of network connection should this rule be applied for? Then checkbox all if applied.
Documenting Rules
It is best to document everything so you can stay organize. Specify everything you did when creating this rule and explanation of why you did it. In the Name section, the last step of adding a new rule to Windows Firewall, document everything. That way, you’ll remember why you added this rule in the first place when you come configuring Firewall once again.
Basic Configuration Rules to start of with
This depends on what kind of network you’re implementing Firewall with. However, I assume you’re just a normal human trying to set up your home network. In that case, it’s best to check the Firewall status. Make sure you turn on firewall and use the recommended settings. Monitor your network to see if anything fishy is coming out of your network. If you see a packet coming out of a calculator program, then it’s best to assume that packet isn’t suppose to be there. Configure outbound rules just to be more safe and prevent un-wanting malware coming out of your computer.
