However, one of the most overlooked security practices is implementing a properly configured firewall. Modern OSs include some form of software-based firewall, which most users merely click on if prompted to enable - and that’s that. They trust the software is doing its job and, for the most part, it does. But what happens if your needs go beyond that of surfing the web and responding to emails? #ICEFLOOR BLOCK APPLICATION SOFTWARE# If you are hosting your own server for your business or are running several critical services, such as communications and the web, then you’ll need to have a more robust configuration for your personal firewall to limit your exposure to all the threats posed by a broadband, always-on connection.Īs most users know, OS X is UNIX-based and includes a built-in firewall that’s turned on by default. What some users do not know is that the personal firewall included in OS X is fully configurable via Terminal commands only, since the previous graphical user interface (GUI) was removed in Server 10.8. IceFloor, however, exists to fill that void. It provides users with a full GUI with which to make modifications to firewall configurations and has an easy-to-use front-end app and wizard for getting started. To install IceFloor, just drag the IceFloor.app to the Applications folder ( Figure A). When attempting to run IceFloor, GateKeeper will inform you that it is from an unidentified developer and will not run ( Figure B).įigure B You may receive a warning that IceFloor is from an unidentified developer.ĭepending on your settings, this error may or may not appear. However, if it does, hold down the Option key while right-clicking the app. Select Open, which will prompt a confirmation screen. Click Open again to launch IceFloor ( Figure C). Remember that IceFloor is not an app per se - rather, it’s a GUI front end for executing the commands that will configure the firewall settings via Terminal. This requires administrative rights over the machine, and you’ll be prompted to enter your credentials prior to loading IceFloor ( Figure D).įigure D You’ll need admin rights to load IceFloor. On first launch, a welcome screen will greet you. While it serves as an overview of IceFloor, the main thing to look for is the menu bar installer. This will install an IceFloor Menulet on the menu bar ( Figure E), where you can modify settings quickly. The IceFloor app itself is relatively easy to navigate. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.The OpenBSD 4.3 PF Manual is in PDF format, just like the IF User Guide, but it covers everything from beginning to advanced configurations of the personal firewall itself found in UNIX and OS X.The IceFloor User Guide provides a wealth of documentation, covering various the features and functions that may be configured.The Configuration Wizard provides a wizard to walk you through the initial configuration of IceFloor simply by answering questions.īeginning with the Help tab, there are four buttons to choose from: It uses a tabbed system, where each tab represents a particular section. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.
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