Networked computers are susceptible to viruses, unwanted intrusions by hackers, and self-spreading worms that infiltrate computer systems through open network ports. Firewalls prevent these intrusions by blocking unused network ports.

Using Operating System Firewalls

ITS recommends that users with computers running the Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Mac OS X operating systems use the firewall that is built into these operating systems. See the Windows Security page for instructions on how to turn on the Windows firewall. For information on the Mac OS X firewall, please see Apple’s webpage, About the Application Firewall.

Additional Information

You can find additional information about firewalls on the Firewall FAQ page or on the websites below.

• Computer Security Resource Center
• CERT Coordination – A federally funded Internet security research and development
  center.

Getting Help

For questions, please contact the ITS Customer Support Center.