How a firewall works

A firewall is a software or device that acts as a door that closes or opens at will. Its function is to block or allow connections from a device. An example is to create a list with the applications that we want to block so that they do not have access to the Internet or the IP addresses that we do not want them to connect to a network. It is based on the use of rules. Once created, if they are not complied with, then it does not allow Internet traffic, either outgoing or incoming. This makes it difficult for intruders to access the network or remotely access our devices.

Consequently, the main function of the firewall is to create a barrier to allow or disallow connections. This wall is used to monitor communications between computers, warn of connection attempts that may be suspicious, etc.

How to block folders with firewall

The most recent versions of Microsoft systems incorporate their firewall. Besides being free, it works very well and is highly configurable. One of the options allows you to block a specific folder from accessing the Internet. However, this option is not integrated by default into the Windows Firewall. So, we will have to use a third-party solution. We are talking about Fab firewall, a free program that integrates with Windows Firewall.

How to Download Fab firewall

First, you have to download Fab firewall from here. As mentioned above, it is a free program that is available for the latest versions of Windows. An important issue is that it is not necessary to install anything. In fact, it is a fully portable program. Just run the .exe file and that’s it. Once executed, a window is displayed showing the connections previously blocked by other firewalls, including Windows Firewall itself. If you have not blocked anything, then nothing appears.

Adding folders

Subsequently, you only have to add the folders you are interested in. This is very useful if you have several applications installed in a single folder. This way we can block internet access to all of them and at the same time save time. With this in mind, just click on File and then select Add Folder Contents.

Next, you only have to locate the folder. Once started, the files included in the folder will be added to the list of locks. This action also adds the folder to the Windows Defender block list. From that moment on, everything inside that folder will be locked, and you will not have access to the Internet.

Blocked programs inside the folder.

Any program or application inside the folder will lose internet access. This way we can limit the total access at once. In effect, the action extends to all items within the folder. Actually, what Fab firewall does is to create a new rule every time we click on add folders. In addition, these rules are extended to the Windows Firewall itself. In fact, you can verify them from the same Windows application.

Additional features of Fab Firewall

Certainly, the most striking option is to be able to block folders with the Firewall. However, there are other very fascinating functions to discover. Although it is a simple app, it has more interesting things to discover.

Block applications

Another interesting action is to be able to block applications from connecting to the network. Let’s suppose you have a program installed, and you don’t want it to connect to the internet. Then this option is for you. Just click on the + icon, then search for the program, and that’s it. It will immediately be added to the block list.

Create lists

It also allows you to create lists, import, or export them. It is useful if you want to add a series of programs or processes that you do not want to connect to the Internet. These lists can be activated or deactivated at any time, which facilitates the process. Additionally, it is possible to export these lists to any other firewall. Even if it is on another computer.

Internet blocking

A very useful option is to be able to block the entire Internet connection by simply clicking a button. Great, isn’t it? Well, this is possible with Firewall Fab. Regardless of whether the connection is wired or Wi-Fi, we can prevent any program or process from connecting to the Internet. Please click on Firewall, then click on Block Internet. The Internet connection will be automatically interrupted. Of course, the connection to the provider will still exist, only now the firewall blocks connection attempts. Just test it by trying to open a web page. To reverse it, just open the same option, but this time unchecks the corresponding checkbox.

Very well, in this way we have seen how to block folders with Windows firewall. In addition, we show you some suggestions to get the most out of the program. See you later!

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What is SimpleWall and how to use it to prevent Windows attacks.

This is a tool for configuring the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). I would like to point out that it is not a graphical interface to the Windows Firewall. It also does not make any changes to it. It works on the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). This is a set of APIs and system services that provide a platform for creating network filtering applications. Moreover, this platform is not a Firewall itself. However, thanks to SimpleWall we will be able to create access rules.

Let’s take a look at some of its features:

• It is free and open source.
• A simple graphical interface with no pop-up windows.
• Rule editor with which we can create our own rules.
• It has an internal block list to block Windows spying and telemetry.
• It has a log of lost packets.
• Support for Windows services and its store.
• Compatible with IPv6 and localization support.

First steps with simplewall to set up the firewall

The first thing you have to do is to download the executable file from here. Then, just install it like any other Windows program. You will immediately see a screen like the following one:

As you can see, there is a toolbar with the following buttons:

• File: To access the options settings and work with files.
• Edit: to purge unused apps, search and update list.
• View: to choose display options and font.
• Rules: to configure how the rules work. It is convenient to leave it as it comes by default.
• Block list: to configure how the block lists work. Therefore, it is convenient not to modify it.
• Help: to go to the author’s website to get information, check for updates and see what version we have installed.

Just below this bar, there are other buttons. Their functions will be explained in more detail later.

How to create a rule and activate filters.

Let’s see how to configure the tool. Just below the toolbar, there are some buttons that serve this purpose. First, there is the button to activate filters. Note that filters are disabled by default. So to start using them, you must press it.

Immediately, the rules will begin to be managed. Specifically, those related to the internet connection. By default, SimpleWall blocks network requests. Consequently, you only have to allow or block connections according to your needs.

After several requests, the programs will be classified into allowed, blocked and silent blocked.

It is also possible to create temporary filtering rules.

On the other hand, if you click on the button marked with the arrow, then you can create a custom rule. In this case for Apps, but it also works for other sections.

In the Rule tab it is possible to work with local and remote IPs together with their port if necessary.

In the Apps tab, we can assign this rule to apply to a specific program. If nothing is selected, then it applies to all applications. Finally, click on Save when you are done.

Now, to view the newly created rule, just click on the User Rules tab. From there you can delete it, edit it and check if it is active.

Okay, so we have seen how to prevent Windows attacks with SimpleWall. Okay, so we have seen how to prevent Windows attacks with SimpleWall. As you can see, it is an elementary way to manage the Windows firewall. You will also increase the protection levels of your system. Bye!

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Configuring Windows Firewall from PowerShell

The first thing you need to know is that Windows incorporates a module called NetSecurity. In addition, it allows you to add, delete and modify Firewall rules. However, the first thing we will do is to open PowerShell. You can do this from the Start menu. Or by pressing the Win+X combination.

Listing the rules available for Windows Firewall

Once in the PowerShell, it is necessary to load the NetSecurity module. Consequently, we have to import it. With this in mind, run the following command:

Import-Module -Name 'NetSecurity'

Well, the module is now loaded into the system. Now we are going to obtain a list of available commands. Please note that there are a lot of them to use. So it depends on the needs of each user. To see a list of all existing FireWall rules, please use the following command:

Get-NetFirewallRule

However, we have commented that there are many rules. But we can refine the search. For example, to see the first 10 rules:

Get-NetFirewallRule | Select-Object DisplayName, Enabled, Direction, Action -First 10

Creating a new rule for FireWall

You may need a new custom rule of your own. A great solution for users who want to protect the system to the maximum. In any case, please use the following syntax:

Net-NewFirewallRule

In addition, there are some variables to consider. These are added to make the command work correctly:

• DisplayName: refers to the custom name of the new Firewall rule.
• Direction: URL from which we want to block the traffic leaving the computer or arriving at us.
• Action: the action to be taken if the rule is satisfied, i.e. Allow or Block. So we use the parameters Allow and Block.

How to modify an existing rule

Sometimes it is necessary to modify a rule without having to delete it completely. For this work, the same parameters must be taken into account as for the creation. That is, DisplayName, Direction, and Action. These will be used to set the new behavior of the rule. In addition, this command can operate on multiple rules at the same time. With this in mind, we will use the following syntax.

Set-NetFirewallRule

Delete an existing Firewall rule

Finally, we will see how to delete an existing Firewall rule. Once it is no longer needed. Of course, we can also do it from PowerShell. Therefore, just use the following syntax:

Remove-NetFirewallRule

Please remember to attach the name of the specific rule to be deleted. Otherwise, you will delete all the rules present. This will leave the system in a state of insecurity. Okay, so we have seen how to configure Windows Firewall with PowerShell. So if you prefer the command line, this is your preferred option. See you soon!

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GlassWire installation requirements

GlassWire has a free and a paid version. In this opportunity, we will use the free version. The first thing you have to do is download it from this link. Below are the minimum requirements to run the tool.

• Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 operating system in 32-bit or 64-bit version.
• An Intel Celeron processor at 2 GHz or higher.
• 1 GB of RAM.

GlassWire main screen

As soon as you run the program, you will see the following screen.

In the box with the word GlassWire you will find the program options. In the center, on the other hand, are shortcuts to the program’s main functions:

• Graph: displays a graph of the applications and traffic. It does so in terms of time, ranging from 5 minutes to a month.
• Usage: provides information on where the applications have been connected and what the incoming and outgoing traffic has been.
• Things: where we can see which computers are connected to our network.
• Firewall: is the section of the firewall where we can select which applications can connect to the Internet or not.
• Notifications: this is the section that alerts you of program activities to review.

Indeed, when you click on Use you will see the information we mentioned. But it also shows to which country the program is connected.

On the other hand, in Things we can scan to determine the devices that are part of the network.

Configuration of GlassWire, the free firewall for Windows.

The firewall screen is as follows.

The first thing you need to notice is that the firewall is turned on. Next, there are 3 modes available:

• Click to block: this is the default. It also allows all applications to connect. Then, from the list, you can manually block the ones you do not want to connect.
• Ask to connect: a dialog box will pop up asking if you allow the program to access the Internet. This is usually the classic way in which firewalls are used.
• Block all: he would leave all the applications without connection, for an emergency measure.

Let’s take a look at a small sample. If you press any app, let’s say the browser, then you will see a window like this:

If you click on Block, then you will stop the app from accessing the internet. But if you use the option to ask to connect, then you will see a popup window like this:

Consequently, you must allow or deny the connection to the network. Certainly, this is the safest option. It allows you to have tighter control over the connections. However, it is more tedious since we have to operate it constantly. Anyway, we have seen how GlassWire, the free firewall for Windows, works. See you soon!

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How to open the firewall port using the advanced settings.

In the first place it is necessary to enter the Control Panel and follow the next path:

• System and security
• Windows Defender Firewall
• Advanced Settings

The advanced settings of the Windows Firewall are immediately displayed. There are the entry and exit rules plus the security rules for connections. Finally, there are the firewall supervision options.

Clicking on the input rules will display the pre-configured Windows Server rules. As the name implies, they are related to incoming network connections and packets. Also, some rules are not activated by default. Therefore, you just need to double-click on them and then enable them.

Creating a new rule in the Windows Server Firewall.

By right-clicking on inboud rules, you can create a new rule.

There are several options for the creation of the rule. However, you should only select Port. Press Next to continue

Now it’s time to set your connection preferences:

• TCP: It is a connection-oriented protocol. In other words, its function is to create connections with the aim of sending data flow.
• UDP: It is a non connection-oriented protocol. Consequently, its development is based on the exchange of data grams.

On the other hand, it is possible to enable all ports for connection. This is obviously an unsecured option. Or you can configure specific ports.

Now it is time to determine what action the new rule will take:

• Allow connection through the port.
• Allow connection if secure. That is, allow data to be transmitted only if the connection is authenticated through Ipsec.
• Block connection through the port.

Please select the option corresponding to Allow connection and press Next. Now it is time to determine which profiles the new rule will be applied to.

Finally, you can assign a name and description to the new rule. This way it is easier to locate it later.

Back to the previous screen, you can see the new rule created.

Ultimately we have seen how to open a firewall port in Windows Server 2019/2016. In addition, the tutorial also serves to block a specific port. This way, the administrator can increase the functionality of the Firewall. All right, that’s it for now. Greetings!

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Prerequisites

Obviously a Windows operating system from version 7 onwards. Although versions of Windows Server 2008 onwards are not officially supported, it should work fine. In addition, it is necessary to have Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 or higher.

How to download the latest version of Windows Firewall Notifier

As mentioned, this is an open-source project that can be downloaded for free from their website in GitHub. Additionally, this time we will use the Beta version which is very well-targeted and has interesting features.

Getting started with WFN

The file is compressed. So once downloaded, you must decompress it to start using it. As soon as the program starts running, you will see a panel with all the current connections. In addition, each one of them shows very precise information. For example, which process uses them, the local address, the remote address, its status, or the time it was created.

Visualize connections in real-time with maps or graphics

Perhaps this is one of the most interesting additions to this beta version. Indeed, clicking on Map shows the place where the connections of the team are directed. In addition, the result is displayed in real-time on an interactive map.

On the other hand, the program also shows the amount of bandwidth consumed by the connections. With that in mind, please click on Bandwidth. A list of the connections will immediately be displayed with the information shown in graphic form. Also, the graph is updated every 10 seconds. In particular, this section helped me to see which connections were draining the network connection.

Manages the configuration of Windows Firewall.

It was mentioned earlier that this interface is very friendly. Indeed, it is also possible to manage the Windows Firewall settings in a very intuitive way. To do so, you just need to click on firewall settings. Immediately the configurations will be displayed. From now on you only have to edit them as you wish.

Manages the rules set in the Windows Firewall.

WFN also offers the possibility to manage Windows Firewall rules. To do this, just click on firewall rules. This will make all entry and exit rules appear. Consequently, from here it is possible to activate or deactivate them.

It also has other interesting functions. For example, it shows the installed network adapters and the consumed bandwidth. On the other hand, the app generates a security log where the firewall events can be seen. As you can see, it’s very complete and easy to use the app. In addition, it is possible to establish a floating notification for connection attempts. From now on, you only have to use the program to familiarize yourself with its functions. Please note that it is not a firewall but an addition to the Windows Firewall. However, its simple-to-use interface makes it very friendly for the average user. It also allows you to know more about the status of the connections in the system.

In this way, we saw how to monitor the Windows Firewall in real time. That’s all for now. We hope you can put the Firewall to better use with this tool. Before saying goodbye, I invite you to join our Telegram channel and drop by the post about MAMP in Windows 10. Bye!

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How to disable Windows Server 2019/ 2016 Firewall using PowerShell

A quick and safe way to disable the Windows Server Firewall. To do this from the Start menu, go to PowerShell.

Then run the following command to enable the firewall:

Get-NetFirewallProfile │select name, enabled

Then to disable the Firewall in Windows 10 we will run the following:

Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled false

The false parameter indicates that the firewall is disabled in private, public and domain environments. Now, to re-enable the firewall on Windows Server, simply run the following command:

Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled true

How to disable Windows Server 2019/2016 Firewall using GPO

It is also possible to disable the Firewall via GPO. If you want to know more about Group Policy Object, check out our post. With this in mind, from the Server Dashboard tools, enter the group management.

Once the editor is open, expand the domain and right click on Default Domain Policy and then on Edit.

Then follow the next path: Windows Settings>Administrative Templates>Network>Network Connections>Windows Defender Firewall. Next, select Domain Profile and then double-click on: Windows Defender Firewall: Protect all network connections.

A window with the rule values is immediately displayed. Please select the Disabled value to configure the Firewall in this way. Then press OK to set the changes.

Now, please follow this path. Computer Settings>Windows Settings>Security Settings>Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. On this last value, right click on the mouse and enter the Properties.

Consequently, a window will be displayed with the behavior of the Firewall in the different environments. Please click on the tabs corresponding to the domain profile, public profile and private profile. In each of them you must set the Firewall status to Off. Press OK and restart the system to set the changes.

We will now validate that the Firewall is indeed disabled. To do this, follow the next path. Control Panel>System and Security>Windows Defender Firewall. On the next screen you can see that the firewall is disabled in all environments.

Conclusion

At the end of the day we have seen how to disable the Firewall in Windows Server 2019/2016. Also, we saw two ways to do it. That is, using PowerShell and also GPO. As you can see, it’s a simple and safe process to do. Bye!

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How to download and install PrivateWin10

This program is free for personal use. Also, its development is open source, so its code can be reviewed and improved in GitHub. An additional advantage of this program is that it does not require installation, just unzip it and run it with admin privileges. Now, to download the latest version please click on this link. At the time of writing this article, the stable version is v0.60.1.

As mentioned above, just download and unzip it at any location. Next, run the executable file with administrator privileges:

Configuring PrivateWin10

When executing the program, the initial configuration window will be skipped. Please choose if you want the program to start with windows. Additionally, you can give it control over the firewall.

After the initial configuration, the program window will appear. If you gave it control of the Firewall then you will probably have to configure the input and output rules.

Then click on the shield located in the left panel. This will open the program’s configuration options. Consequently, you can see options related to telemetry, error reporting, office, drivers and more. According to your selection, it shows the actions taken by the tool to limit the sending of information by the user.

Then configure the Windows Firewall. You can enter this configuration by clicking on the icon in the form of a wall. In this section, you can see a list of all filters and firewall rules. In addition, you can configure the programs subject to the firewall. On the other hand, you can also create your own rules. In short, it’s an increase in security.

Enable DNS protection

In the fourth icon of the program, you can configure the DNS protection. This option is disabled by default. Consequently, in order to activate it, it is necessary to go to the configuration of the program by clicking on the toothed wheel. And then check the box corresponding to Enable DNS Proxy.

Once DNS protection is enabled, it can be configured. There are a number of options, in addition to a blacklist, a white list, and a block list. The main function of these rules is to protect our Internet browsing. Its operation is very simple. In essence, it works like any other DNS filter, it uses a DNS proxy to monitor all the connections that are made. And according to the lists, block or allow resolution

Finally, there are the general settings of the program. We have already seen how to enter them.

Finally, we have seen how to download and install this interesting tool. This way we can increase privacy levels in Windows 10 with PrivateWin10. This is all for now, before saying goodbye I want to invite you to review our post about SSH in Windows Server.

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