What is a Firewall?

A firewall serves as a boundary between your computer and the rest of the internet. Your computer's firewall helps to keep your data secure and protected.

Enabling Your Firewall

By default, your Firewall is enabled - however - other programs installed on your computer may've disabled it. You should check to make sure it's enabled, especially if you've recently installed a new program, or your computer has been infected with malware. 

Your firewall will only work if your computer is kept up to date. 

Windows

Go to the Start Menu > Control Panel > Windows Firewall and make sure it is turned on.

Mac

Mac OSX v 10.6 and later

Go to the Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security (or Security & Privacy)  > Firewall > click on the lock in the lower-left corner and enter your username and password > Turn on Firewall/Start

Mac OSX v 10.5 and earlier

Go to the Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security  > Firewall