firewall for Mac?

is an external firewall useful?

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 29, 2023 7:31 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 29, 2023 3:43 PM

Just to add a bit to what @BobTheFisherman has already provided you, macOS already comes with two types of software firewalls. One works at the application layer, the other at the network layer. Both; however, are disabled by default ... as they really aren't needed in most cases on a local network.


The application-layer or socket filter firewall is enabled at System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall; whereas, the network layer one would require that you either use commands in the Terminal app, or use a third-party graphical front-end app to enable it.


Little Snitch would be an example of a third-party application-layer software firewall. The only benefit, that I can see, is that it has more control options vs. the built-in macOS equivalent.


The bottom line? Unless you have specific security issues AND understand firewall rules, you shouldn't need to use them at all.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 29, 2023 3:43 PM in response to patricejcgautier

Just to add a bit to what @BobTheFisherman has already provided you, macOS already comes with two types of software firewalls. One works at the application layer, the other at the network layer. Both; however, are disabled by default ... as they really aren't needed in most cases on a local network.


The application-layer or socket filter firewall is enabled at System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall; whereas, the network layer one would require that you either use commands in the Terminal app, or use a third-party graphical front-end app to enable it.


Little Snitch would be an example of a third-party application-layer software firewall. The only benefit, that I can see, is that it has more control options vs. the built-in macOS equivalent.


The bottom line? Unless you have specific security issues AND understand firewall rules, you shouldn't need to use them at all.

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firewall for Mac?

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