2.1.1 Ensure Firewall Is Enabled

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This audit has been deprecated and will be removed in a future update.

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Information

A firewall is a piece of software that blocks unwanted incoming connections to a system.

A firewall minimizes the threat of unauthorized users gaining access to your system while connected to a network or the Internet.

Solution

Run the following command to enable the firewall:

% /usr/bin/sudo /usr/bin/defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.alf globalstate -int <value>

For the <value> use either 1 specific services, or 2 essential services only.

Impact:

The firewall may block legitimate traffic. Applications that are unsigned will require special handling.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/17466