Cyber-Safety Basics: Turn on Personal Firewalls

Why should you turn on personal firewalls? Because: Personal firewalls act as protective barriers between computers and the internet, allowing only the network traffic you permit. For more information, see: → Mac Firewall → Microsoft Firewall Hackers search the Internet by sending out pings (calls) to random computers and wait for responses. Firewalls prevent your computer from responding to these calls. Most new computers come with built-in personal firewalls so there's no extra equipment or software to buy.

To turn on personal firewalls:

• Consult your computer's security settings option to determine if you have a built-in personal firewall. If the option exists, turn on the firewall.
• Once your firewall is turned on, test your firewall for open ports that could allow in viruses and hackers. Firewall scanners like the one on http://www.auditmypc.com/firewall-test.asp simplify this process.
• IMPORTANT: Faculty and staff should consult with their department's Technical Support Coordinator (TSC) before turning on a personal firewall on a departmental computer.
• Students can contact IT Express (754-4357) for help and advice.