About Firewalls

Networked computers are susceptible to viruses, unwanted intrusions by hackers, and self-spreading worms that infiltrate computer systems through open network ports. Firewalls prevent these intrusions by blocking unused network ports.

Built-in Firewalls for Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X

ITS recommends that users with computers running the Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OS X operating systems use the firewall that is built into these operating systems. See the Windows Security page for instructions on how to turn on the Windows firewall. For information on the Mac OS X firewall, please see Apple's webpage, About the Application Firewall.

Sophos Firewall for Windows XP

ITS provides a version of Sophos Endpoint Security with an unsupported firewall for download from software.usc.edu. This unsupported firewall, intended for use primarily on Windows XP computers, must be configured by the owner of the computer.

Additional Information

You can find additional information about firewalls on the Firewall FAQs page or on the websites below.

• Computer Security Resource Center
• CERT Coordination - A federally funded Internet security research and development center.

Getting Help

For questions, please contact the Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 or send an email to consult@usc.edu.