Windows Firewall is a software that provides an extra layer of security for your computer by blocking or limiting access to incoming connections from the internet and other computers on the network. It is an integral part of Windows operating system, which helps keep your device secure.
Using Windows Firewall to protect your system requires you to properly configure it so that it can effectively filter traffic and prevent malicious programs and networks from connecting to your system. In this article, we will discuss how to use Windows Firewall to protect your system.
The first step in using Windows Firewall to protect your system is to turn it on. To do this, open the Control Panel, then select “System and Security” and then “Windows Firewall.” On the left side of the window, click the “Turn Windows Firewall On or Off” link. Make sure that the selection “Turn on Windows Firewall” is checked.
The next step is to configure the firewall. To do this, open the Control Panel, then select “System and Security” and then “Windows Firewall.” On the left side of the window, click the “Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.” You can then choose which programs and services are allowed through the firewall by checking the boxes next to them. For a greater level of control you can configure each program or service separately by clicking the “Advanced Settings” link.
In addition to configuring the firewall for individual programs, you should also configure it for your network. This is done by selecting “Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall” and then “Change settings.” Here you will have the option to allow or deny various types of network traffic, such as File and Printer Sharing, Remote Desktop, and Network Discovery.
To further protect your system, you should enable the Windows Firewall logging feature. This will create a log of activity generated by the firewall so that you can audit any suspicious activity. To enable logging, select “Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall” and then “Advanced Settings.” Select the “Logging” tab and check the box to enable logging.
Finally, you should ensure that your system is set up to receive Windows updates regularly. Updates are released regularly to fix known security flaws and to provide additional features. To set up Windows updates, open the Control Panel, then select “System and Security” and then “Windows Update.” Make sure that the selection “Install updates automatically (recommended)” is checked.
By following the above steps and making sure that Windows Firewall is properly configured, you can use it to help protect your system from malicious programs, networks, and other threats. Additionally, updating your system regularly and auditing the firewall logs for suspicious activity can go a long way towards ensuring the safety of your system.