How to Configure Norton Firewall Settings

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Norton Firewall is an essential security feature provided by Norton antivirus software that keeps your computer safe from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and potentially harmful software and files. Configuring Norton Firewall settings can be a very simple process if you follow a structured approach. This guide aims to simplify the process of configuring Norton Firewall and provide a comprehensive understanding of each step involved. Let us dive deep into the world of firewall configuration to keep your device secure.

Understanding Norton firewall

A firewall acts as a barrier between your computer and the Internet or other networks. It controls incoming and outgoing traffic to help protect your system from threats and attacks. Norton Firewall provides powerful security features and alerts you when your computer is targeted by malicious software or tyrannical intruders.

Basic components of Norton firewall

• Network connections: Manages and monitors the network activity of your applications.
• Firewall rules: A set of predefined conditions to allow or deny access to a network.
• Program control: Determines how individual programs can connect to the network by granting them specific permissions.

Steps to configure Norton firewall settings

Step 1: Accessing Norton Firewall

To start configuring Norton Firewall, you must first open the Norton antivirus software on your computer. Follow these steps to access the firewall settings:

• Click on the Norton icon located in your system tray or find it by going to the Start menu.
• Open the Norton main window.
• On the right side, look for the "Settings" or "Device Security" option. Click on it.
• Now, you will see the “Firewall” option in the Settings window.

Step 2: Configuring firewall general settings

General settings control the basic operation of Norton Firewall. Here, you can enable or disable the firewall completely and manage automatic program control and intrusion prevention parameters.

• Turning Norton Firewall On/Off: Make sure the firewall is enabled to protect your device. Although it is not recommended, you can temporarily disable it by clicking the toggle switch next to the "Smart Firewall" option.
• Automatic Program Control: The Automatic Program Control feature detects new programs connecting to the Internet for the first time and configures firewall settings accordingly. It is usually set to "On" to make firewall configuration easier.
• Intrusion Prevention: Click the toggle option to keep it on. Intrusion Prevention helps protect your device from vulnerabilities and attacks from suspicious websites and applications.

Step 3: Managing program controls

Program control is important because it determines whether specific applications communicate through the network. Incorrectly configured program permissions can either make your system insecure or interfere with legitimate software functions.

1. Click the "Programs" tab under Firewall Settings.
2. A list of installed programs will appear along with their network access levels (such as "Allow" or "Block").
3. To modify a program's access permissions, simply locate it in the list, click on it, and choose the appropriate option:
• Allow: Gives the program full network access.
• Automatic: Norton decides the best network access permission based on behavior.
• Block: Denies network access for this application.
• Custom: Creates appropriate custom rules based on your specific needs.
4. After making the necessary changes, click "Apply" to save them.

Step 4: Configuring traffic rules

Traffic rules are predefined rules that allow you to manage incoming and outgoing traffic based on specific criteria such as application name, port, or network type.

• Go to the "Traffic Rules" tab in the firewall settings.
• Here, you will see a list of pre-configured rules, which may include “Web Browsing” and “File Sharing” etc.
• To create a new rule, click "Add Rule" or "New Rule."
• Use the setup wizard to guide you through the rule creation process. You'll specify the following:
• Action: Selects between "Allow" or "Block" for the traffic.
• Protocol: Select the network protocol the rule should focus on, such as TCP or UDP.
• Ports and Addresses: This enables the specification of specific ports or IP addresses that the rule affects.
• After configuring the settings, give the rule a name for easy reference and click “Apply” to activate it.

Step 5: Managing intrusions and browser security

Norton Firewall includes integrated browsing protection focused on protecting you from potentially harmful web activities or fraudulent sites:

• Block deceptive URLs: It prevents you from visiting websites that distribute malware and provides blocking warnings.
• SafeSearch and Site Ratings: These features evaluate web pages and search results before you connect to them.
• Adjust these settings to reflect your browsing preferences, but keep the security measures active for maximum protection.

Step 6: Configuring notifications and alerts

Norton Firewall can notify you of various network activity using alerts. These can be modified depending on which notifications you find useful or intrusive. Here's how to modify these settings:

1. Find the "Notifications" tab in your firewall settings.
2. Review the list of types of alerts and notifications, such as "Intrusion Alerts" or "Normal Program Activity."
3. Choose the types of notifications you want to receive by turning the corresponding options “on” or “off”.
4. Click "Apply" to confirm your choices.

Conclusion

Proper configuration of Norton Firewall is crucial in ensuring comprehensive protection for your device. By controlling network access, managing traffic and programs, and optimizing browsing protection, you strengthen your device's defenses against unwanted threats and ensure secure communications over the network. Frequently check and update the firewall's rules to align with your usage patterns.

Investing some time and effort in these configurations today ensures the security and integrity of your data and digital environment. With Norton Firewall, you're not just protecting a device; you're protecting the digital life you value.

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