Utilizing FireWall to block unauthorized access is a proactive measure that helps eliminate potential threats to your computer. Enabling and using FireWall might be overlooked due to the abundance of antivirus software handling this task. However, there are many features and benefits of using FireWall that not everyone is aware of. To gain a better understanding of using FireWall to prevent unauthorized access, this article provides specific illustrations of how to enable and use FireWall effectively.
To delve deeper into the basics of using FireWall to block unauthorized access, this article demonstrates step-by-step instructions on enabling FireWall and utilizing it to prevent unauthorized access.
Guidelines for utilizing a firewall to block unauthorized access
1. Activate the firewall and use it
Step 1: Firstly, open the Start Menu and type Control Panel. Here, we will access the Control Panel to enable the Firewall.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, search for the System and Security section if you are in Category view, as shown in the image. If you are in Small icon view, you can quickly find the Windows Firewall section.
Step 3: Within System and Security, proceed to Windows Firewall.
Step 4: In the Windows Firewall section, simply click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off to enable the Firewall. This is the initial startup step before using the firewall to block unauthorized access.
Step 5: Here, regardless of whether it's private or Public value, ensure Turn on Windows Firewall is selected, then press OK.
Afterward, you'll see the icons for both Private networks and Guest or public Networks turn green. This completes the process of enabling the Firewall. Now, let's move on to using the firewall to block unauthorized access.
2. Using the firewall to block unauthorized access
Step 1: Continuing within the Windows Firewall section, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
Step 2: Here is a list of applications, software, or services permitted access, including Private (private) and Public (public). If you uncheck both, it means they are not allowed. If you want to add another app, select Allow another App.
Step 3: Continue by clicking Browse to locate the path to the software or application you need to access.
After making your selection, simply press Add.
Step 4: Here, you have the authority to grant permission for the selected application to access it. If not, uncheck both options.
And if any application running demands internet access, a notification window will appear as shown below.
This is the method to use the firewall to block unauthorized access. You can apply it to any software or object. Additionally, processes and services can be viewed in the list and blocked directly from it. Although using this unauthorized access-blocking firewall still has limitations, it helps reduce potential risks to your computer. It's even better to use some antivirus software in conjunction with the firewall. Combining the firewall and antivirus software enhances the ability to resist viruses and malicious code, but it may also make your computer a bit heavier. Therefore, readers, please consider this solution carefully.
Mytour also shares how to enable or disable Windows 11 firewall, making it easy for readers to manage Windows 11 firewall settings. Refer to the article below for step-by-step instructions.
- Explore more: Enable Windows 11 firewall
- Explore more: Firewall applications
