Configuring the Symantec Desktop Firewall Product

The Symantec Desktop Firewall (SDF) installs on your Windows platform with a numberof default security settings. These security settings are designed for users who are veryproficient with TCP/IP networking. Rather than utilizing these default settings, IBMrecommends changing these settings to the configuration described below.

1. Start the SDF configuration screen by selecting StartProgramFilesSymantec Desktop FirewallSymantec Desktop Firewall. You willsee a screen like the one below.

2. Select the Security button and you will see a screen like this one:

This is the security configuration page. You will want to select the CustomLevel button to change the security settings.

You will then see a screen similar to thispicture. You will need to make onechange on this page by selecting theDesktop Firewall drop-down menu andchanging it to the Medium setting. Thenclick ok the OK button to return to themain configuration screen.

3. Now, select the Privacy button and you will see this screen

Once again, select the Custom Level button and you will see theconfiguration page

You need to make one change on thispage by selecting the ConfidentialInformation drop-down menu andchanging it to the None setting. Thenclick ok the OK button to return to themain configuration screen.

4. At this point, you have configured your SDF product correctly. You can nowclose the main configuration screen by selecting the close box in the top rightcorner of the screen. Your system will now be secure against the majority ofInternet based hacking attempts and port scanning.