Sophos Client Firewall: overview
Sophos Client Firewall enables only named applications, or classes of applications, to access a network or the internet. It is is available as part of Sophos Endpoint Security (subject to the terms of your license). Sophos Client Firewall can be used to lock down computers and protect them from internet worms, hackers and virus infections from other unprotected computers.
After installing Sophos Client Firewall, it must be configured (centrally or locally) to run with your existing network and internet software.
System requirements
- Sophos Client Firewall runs on Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP computers.
- Sophos Client Firewall is not supported on server operating systems.
Installation and initial configuration
See the following articles and documents for information on installing and configuring Sophos Client Firewall.
On a network
- Network startup guide.
- Network upgrade guide: upgrading from Enterprise Console 3.0 or Network upgrade guide: upgrading from Enterprise Console 2.0.
- Administrator roll-out guidelines.
On a single computer
Interactive and non-interactive mode
Sophos Client Firewall works in two modes, interactive and non-interactive. For further information, see the administrator roll-out and security guidelines.
Interactive mode
In interactive mode, the firewall asks you with a pop-up dialog what it should do when an attempt is made by a program to access the network or internet. This mode is useful when building an initial set of rules.
To access interactive mode
- right-click the notification area (brick wall) icon in the system tray
- select 'Configure'
- in the General tab, select 'Interactive. The firewall asks you how to deal with traffic.'
Non-interactive mode
In non-interactive mode, the firewall deals with traffic automatically using your rules. You must set these rules manually, or in interactive mode, before using non-interactive mode.
To access non-interactive mode
- right-click the notification area (brick wall) icon in the system tray
- select 'Configure'
- in the General tab, select 'Non-interactive. The firewall deals with traffic automatically using your rules.'
Further configuration
Once you have installed Sophos Client Firewall, you should monitor and enhance its configuration to increase your system security.
Additional information
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 14881
- Created: 21 Apr 2006
- Last updated: 14 Apr 2008
