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Computer Security
Overview |
Step 1: Get anti-virus software |
Step 2: Update your anti-virus software |
Step 3: Ensure that your computer is free of viruses |
Step 4: Set up a firewall
Step 5: Install operating system updates |
Step 6: Install Microsoft Office updates |
Step 7: Remove spyware |
Step 8: Finish |

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School of Pharmacy•

UCSF School of Pharmacy

Step 4: Set up a firewall

Using a properly configured firewall is a required step in ensuring computer security.

What is a firewall?

When properly configured, a computer firewall protects your computer from intruders who exploit flaws in your computer's software to create annoyances or to steal or damage your data.

A firewall is not the same as anti-virus software or anti-spyware software -- it's best if you have all of these since each protects your computer in a different way.

Why do I need a firewall?

If your computer doesn't have a properly configured firewall, it could:

  • spread viruses to people listed in your address book
  • allow intruders to record your keystrokes or view or delete your data
  • allow intruders to send spam from your computer
  • execute distributed denial of service attacks on other computers

-- all without your knowledge.

Intruders can gain access to your computer through your computer's open network ports, which are communications channels for programs. A firewall can secure any ports which might be open on your computer.

More information: How Firewalls Work and Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Firewalls.

To determine how to set up a software firewall, what operating system does your computer have?

Not Sure

  • Windows Vista: Select Start. Type winver and press Enter.
  • Windows XP: Select Start > Run. Type winver and press Enter.
  • Mac: Select "About this Mac" from the Apple menu.

Windows Vista

Ensure that Windows Firewall or any other firewall is working properly by opening Security Center in Start > Control Panel > Security.

Windows XP

Download and install Sygate Firewall software, which UCSF has made available to the UCSF community at no charge in the interest of enhancing computer and network security. Sygate Firewall provides greater protection than Windows XP's Windows Firewall against network intrusions and spyware threats. It protects and updates silently in the background and notifies you only if there is a problem.

How do I know if I already have it?

Open the Add/Remove Programs control panel. If you see an item called Sygate Security Agent in the list of programs, Sygate is already installed.

How do I install it?

  1. Uninstall any firewall software listed in the Add/Remove Programs control panel to avoid confilcts which can occur when more than one firewall application is running. In particular, the presence of any of the following words in your programs list might indicate firewall software that should be uninstalled:
    1. BlackICE
    2. Check Point
    3. Comodo
    4. Kerio
    5. McAfee
    6. Norton
    7. Symantec
    8. ZoneAlarm

    If you are uncertain, call UCSF Customer Support at 415/514-4100 (Option 2). Also, some firewall software is packaged together with anti-virus software, so if that's what you have and you uninstall it, we recommend you also install Sophos Anti-Virus, which is also available to the UCSF community at no charge. Details: Get anti-virus software.

  2. Log in to VPN, visit Sygate Downloads, then log in to the link called "software download page" to download the Sygate installer.
  3. Close all applications.
  4. Double-click the installer, then follow the instructions that appear to complete the installation. Sygate Firewall is working properly when you see the double-arrow system tray icon appear with a green dot.

Need help with Sygate Firewall? Call UCSF Customer Support at 415/514-4100 (Option 2).

Mac OS 10.5

  1. Open System Preferences, then open Security.
  2. Select the Firewall tab, then select either one of the following:
    1. Allow only essential services.
    2. Set access for specific services and applications.

Mac OS 10.3 or 10.4

  1. Open System Preferences, then open Sharing.
  2. Select the Firewall tab, then select the Start button.

Test your firewall

  1. Test that the firewall protects your computer by visiting one or more of the following test sites:
    1. ShieldsUp!
    2. Sygate Online Services
    3. the Security Scan feature of Symantec Security Check
    4. LeakTest
  2. If your firewall is protecting your computer, congratulations! Proceed to Step 5: Install operating system updates.

Help? Feedback?

Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.

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