macOS’ built-in security feature “Firewall” is designed to safeguard your Mac with an extra layer of shield. When it’s active and set up, unauthorized applications and programs are blocked to accept incoming connections.
Though you have the desired flexibility to allow specific apps to accept incoming connection even if it’s turned on. In this in-depth tutorial, we will show you how to enable and use the Firewall on Mac.
Enable and Use Firewall on Mac
For folks who are unaware, Firewall has long been an integral part of macOS. Thanks to the overhauled redesign, macOS has relocated this security shield just like many other important features such as network locations, Hot Corners, and the ability to view keyboard shortcuts. But bother not, once you have gotten a good hang of the process, getting the most out of this notable safeguard will no longer be a hassle for you.
Turn on the Firewall on Mac
- Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> choose System Settings. Or, hit the CMD+Spacebar to reveal the Spotlight search -> type in System Settings, and open the app.
- Scroll down in the sidebar and choose Network.
- Click on the Firewall and turn it on.
Customize the Firewall on Your Mac to Your Liking
To ensure Firewall always works in line with your preference, you can fine-tune it in accordance with your needs.
- To get it done, click on Options.
- Now, you can perfectly customize the Firewall on your macOS device. In order to block all incoming connections except DHCP and IPSec, turn on the master toggle that appears at the top of the screen.
- Additionally, you also have the option to let built-in software and downloaded signed software programs receive incoming connections.
- Besides, you can even choose to let valid certified software provide services accessed from the network.
- And if you want to take protection from malicious attacks even further, enable the stealth mode on your Mac. Once this security shield is enabled, your Mac will no longer respond to or acknowledge any attempts to retrieve this computer from the network by test programs using IMP.
- It’s important to point out that if you want to block connections for specific apps, click on the “+” button and then select the app.
- To manage the incoming connections for a particular app, click on the drop-down menu right next to an app and then choose the preferred option.
- To remove an app from the list, select the app and hit the “-” button (minus) in the window.
- Be sure to click on Done in the Firewall window to finish.
Customize and Firewall on Mac Like a Pro
There you have it! Now, I hope you can activate and customize the Firewall on your Mac to your liking. Considering how pivotal this security feature is, I would recommend you keep it always enabled.
Since you have the needed flexibility to allow or disallow important connections, fine-tune it smartly to block nefarious incoming connections. That said, what do you think of Firewall? It would be great to have your invaluable feedback in the comments.