One of the best ways to protect your computer and your data is to use a “firewall.” This fundamental layer of protection helps to keep attackers out of your computer or to prevent external threats from accessing your data.
Unfortunately, the firewall is often overlooked. Many users assume it to be already engaged on their network or personal computer.
At the City, we have the IT department protecting our daily work. However, at home, we have to remember to engage the firewall on our personal computers actively.
There are different types of firewalls, but most computer operating systems (Windows and Mac OS) come with these programs preinstalled as part of the factory software package. It’s your job to remember to engage the firewall settings. It’s as simple as clicking a button.
Here’s how to check your computer’s firewall:
•
Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
•
Macintosh: OS X: About the application firewall
Additionally, we’ve added a great article on
5 ways to test your computer's security. If you have other questions about digital safety, visit the City’s
Cybersecurity Resources page.