Understand Windows Firewall

Introduction

The Understand Windows Firewall module provides you with the instruction and devices to develop your hands on skills in the defined topics. This module includes the following exercises:

• Configuring Firewall Rules using Windows Firewall
• Configuring Firewall Rules using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

Exercise 1 - Configuring Firewall Rules using Windows Firewall

A firewall protects your computer from unauthorized access by users or applications outside of your corporate network. To make the firewall effective, you need to define/edit firewall rules. These rules analyse the packets coming to the computer or network and compare whether the specified conditions are satisfied and then allow/deny access to the computer or network accordingly. Windows Firewall application enables you to configure and edit firewall rules.

In this exercise, you will create firewall rules using Windows firewall and verify their efficiency in managing access to the computer.

Exercise 2 - Configuring Firewall Rules using Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

Windows versions including Vista, 2008, and later provide another built-in application for system security - Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. This application offers an expansive view of firewall security and has additional features compared to the scaled down version of firewall in Windows XP.

In this exercise, you will create firewall rules using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security and verify their efficiency in securing your computer.