internet

[vino tinto]

Hi all,

I've just gt a new mac, can anyone recommend what internet security i need - firewalls etc???

 

[bartelby]

Hi all,

I've just gt a new mac, can anyone recommend what internet security i need - firewalls etc???

I only use OS X's own firewall.

System Preferences -> Sharing -> Firewall

 

[dukebound85]

this may sound super obvious but what does a firewall do exactly? i have never used on before on my mac other than the one i think is built into my router. i just turned that one on you mentioned in sys pref but just curious as to what it does

 

[bartelby]

Ah, the ever useful Wikipedia.

A firewall's basic task is to control traffic between computer networks with different zones of trust. Typical examples are the Internet which is a zone with no trust and an internal network which is (and should be) a zone with high trust. The ultimate goal is to provide controlled interfaces between zones of differing trust levels through the enforcement of a security policy and connectivity model based on the least privilege principle and separation of duties.

A firewall is also called a Border Protection Device (BPD) in certain military contexts where a firewall separates networks by creating perimeter networks in a Demilitarized zone (DMZ). In a BSD context they are also known as a packet filter. A firewall's function is analogous to firewalls in building construction.

 

[dukebound85]

haha thanks

 

[superleccy]

I've just gt a new mac, can anyone recommend what internet security i need - firewalls etc???

1. Enable the OS X built-in firewall (see Sharing in System Preferences).
2. Make sure your OS X is up to date with the latest patches and security updates (OS X will do this for you - see Software Update in System Preferences).
3. If you are using wireless, make sure it is encrypted with WPA or WPA2.
4. If you are connecting to the Internet through a router, enable its firewall.
5. Use common sense.

Welcome to Mac!

SL

 

[skubish]

this may sound super obvious but what does a firewall do exactly? i have never used on before on my mac other than the one i think is built into my router. i just turned that one on you mentioned in sys pref but just curious as to what it does

If you have the firewall enabled on the router there is no need to
turn on the one in OSX.

 

[superleccy]

If you have the firewall enabled on the router there is no need to
turn on the one in OSX.

Maybe... but make sure you turn it back on when you connect to an less-trusted network. And make sure your router security is adequate.

For an easy life I just leave the OS X firewall on all the time... it doesn't do any harm.

SL

 

[vino tinto]

Thanks SuperLeccy - I.ve waited a long time for the "welcome to mac" words.
i did already check the firewall on my mac - so i just turn it on and leave it at that - done that and it says firewall on? Sorry for the basic questions!!!

 

[superleccy]

Yup... Firewall on, that's pretty much all there is to it. I know it seems absurdly simple after mucking about with PC firewalls... but there you go.

I also ensure "Enable Stealth Mode" is enabled (go to "Advanced")... I presume it makes me even more secure and I haven't noticed any negative side effects.

Some applications sometimes need specific ports opening in the Firewall (eg Salling Clicker, iChat AV, Remote Desktop, some Bonjour services, some network games), but don't worry about that until any of those applications start giving you trouble.

And welcome indeed. This forum rocks. You'll find 90% of all your Mac answers on here somewhere.

SL