Both Windows and mac operating systems include firewall capabilities. Like Microsoft’s Windows OS, Apple’s macOS also comes with a built-in application firewall.
As a software firewall, mac firewall works as an effective monitor and regulator of both incoming and outgoing traffic on an iMac desktop or a MacBook laptop. macOS has been known for having better security than Windows OS.
Compared to the latter, macOS is less targeted by cybercriminals and malware. Further reducing the risk of infection, Apple has equipped macOS with an integrated application firewall.
Programs or apps running on your computer can link to the Internet. These apps get plugins and updates online automatically. Unfortunately, these background actions can become a channel for cybercriminals to install malware on your computer.
Recognizing this risk, Apple has equipped the recent macOS versions (OS X and later) with a built-in firewall. Aptly named as an application firewall, firewall on mac controls connections per application instead of per port. This protection approach helps in preventing undesirable apps from dominating network ports active for legitimate apps.
How Do I Check My Mac Firewall Settings?
By default, Apple has set the application firewall on macOS. Enabling the built-in firewall on macOS becomes necessary when your device, especially a MacBook laptop, connects to an unsecured public network like in a coffee shop.
To check the settings of the application firewall on macOS:
- Click System Preferences from the Apple menu
- Click Security or Security & Privacy
- Click the Firewall tab
- Unlock the panel by entering the administrator username and password
- Choose Turn On Firewall to enable.
- Select Advanced to customize firewall settings.
Should mac firewall causing problems on your desktop or laptop, the process of disabling it is as easy as enabling it. The application firewall on macOS comes disabled by default. But if it was enabled and you want to deactivate it, you may do so by following the steps below.
To disable the application firewall on macOS:
- Click System Preferences from the Apple menu
- Click Security or Security & Privacy
- Click the Firewall tab
- Unlock the panel by entering the administrator username and password
- Choose Turn Off Firewall to disable.
Is Mac Firewall Good Enough?
Compared with Microsoft Windows operating system, macOS rarely encounter malware and viruses. However, while mac firewall effectively works as a software firewall, it carries the same limits as a separate firewall solution. It can monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic, but it might also encounter difficulties in stopping various types of malware like viruses, trojan horses, worms, spyware, and adware.
In recent years, macOS users saw an increase in malware in the wild. Some examples of macOS malware discovered include Leap (2006), RSPlug (2007), MacSweeper and Genieo (2009), MacDefender (2011), Flashback (2012), Bit9, Carbon Black, Lamadai, Appetite, and Coin Thief (2015), Keydnap and KeRanger (2016).
Installing an Internet security suite with a built-in antimalware feature remains crucial in spite of the effectiveness of mac Firewall as a firewall solution. If you are looking for the best Internet security suite with a built-in firewall, antimalware, and other relevant features, check out our guide for the best security software for Mac.
