Windows Firewall Configuration

By default, X-Windows systems (X11 Server) will run on TCP ports 6000-6010.  To prevent these ports from being publicly available, ECE-IT and the Information Security Office (ISO) highly recommend filtering TCP ports 6000-6010.  Please use the guide below to configure the Windows Firewall application to block the recommended ports. (Click on a picture for an enlarged view)

To open the Windows Firewall, select the application from the Windows Control Panel

Windows 7:  Click the Start button, then Control Panel | Windows 8: Perform a search a Windows

Select the Windows Firewall

Select Advanced Settings (if prompted, enter administrative credentials)

Select Inbound Rules

In the Menu bar, select Action, then New Rule

In the What type of rule would you like to create, select Port

Select TCP, followed by Specific local ports.  Enter the range 6000-6010

Select Block the connection

Place a check in each available option

Assign a name and description (optional) for the Firewall rule and click on Finish

When completed, you should see the new rule created at the top of the list

Note:  When completed, click on Outbound Rules in the left column and repeat the identical steps above.  This is yet an additional layer of security, preventing TCP ports 6000-6010 to communicate outside your system.