For instance, a packet-filtering firewall could accept file-sharing connections from IP addresses of your work network but not from other addresses on the Internet. Packet-filtering firewalls like ipfw classify network traffic two ways: by type, using port numbers, and by origin and destination, using IP addresses. In security parlance, ipfw is a packet-filtering firewall: it checks each packet coming or going through the Mac's network interfaces against a set of rules, and allows it to pass or blocks it. The risks-the loss of private data and the hijacking of your Mac's computing power-are great enough, and the cost of prevention low enough, that implementing a good firewall on your Mac and your local network is a no-brainer.Īll versions of OS X through 10.4 (Tiger) have included a Unix-based firewall called ipfw. And don't forget that any time you're on a network-a coffee shop's Wi-Fi system, for example-you're exposed to anyone else on that network. But there are computers out there that do nothing all day but probe Net-connected machines for vulnerabilities it's certainly possible that one will find yours. With millions of computers in the world, it might seem that the odds of your Mac being targeted are awfully small. There aren't any such network vulnerabilities on Macs (that we know of) now, but many of Apple's security updates specifically address network vulnerabilities. Years ago, a bug (long-since fixed) let attackers send Macs a so-called "ping of death"-specially designed network traffic that could crash a system. Mac OS X comes with not one but two firewalls of its own. They can keep criminals out while allowing legitimate network traffic in. Version reviewed: 1.1 What's Required in Version 3.Firewalls monitor and regulate the data moving on and off your computer or network. Otherwise, you might get a firewall that blocks everything. Although, knowledge about how to configure is required. In conclusion: this interface can be very useful for users who aren't accustomed with the deep configuration of the IPFW firewall. Pluses: it provides you a simple interface that administrates a powerful and complex firewall, it can define rules and pipes very easily. Another feature is the module that allows you to set the IP forwarding functionality. These features include a button that opens the IPFW manual and a 'Flush rules and pipes' button. ![]() There you can find control modules for a firewall's settings, a firewall log, and a startup script, and several features separate from these modules, which are in a miscellaneous category. The Tools area has some features that can be used in order to tune other settings. ![]() It's a simple wizard, which helps you define some basic firewall rules. One more tool that helps the beginners is called 'Wizard'. The rule set for limiting the bandwidth also has the support for various network protocols. The rule set for basic configuration and services has the support for services like FTP, SSH, HTTP, etc. In that drop down list, you can find items like basic configuration with or without services, safe ICMP, transparent proxy, block nmap, block dangerous traffic, or limit bandwidth. The Rule Sets button provides you a whole list with predefined configurations. Adding a new pipe in the Bandwidth Manager requires some parameters such as the rule number, the number of slots, the delay (in milliseconds), the speed (in kilobits/second), the source and destination, as well as the source and destination ports, and some extra arguments. There you can find all the defined rules, for both outgoing and incoming traffic, for your network interface.Ī nice feature is the Bandwidth Manager window, where you can predefine some rules about the maximum permitted bandwidth for certain hosts. ![]() The first thing that the application shows you is the rules list. The 'System Preferences' application also provides you a frontend, but that one is rather minimal. If you are not an expert at working with the terminal, then this application can help you. Without a tool like this, setting your firewall might be a challenge. WaterRoof is a frontend for the Mac OS X built in firewall, IPFW.
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