How to use the Firewall

This guide will show you how to use the BullGuard Firewall.

IMPORTANT! The Firewall is a very important section of any Internet Security suite, so we recommend using the guide below only if you know what you are doing, or you have received instructions from our Support Team. If you are not familiar with computers, it is recommended that you team up with a computer-wise friend, or contact our Support Team.

What  is a firewall?

A firewall is a special computer application (or module within a security suite, such as BullGuard) whose purpose is to monitor and protect your computer from any unauthorised network traffic. Think of it as a guard at your door.

Why do you need a firewall?

Without a firewall, you computer is vulnerable to almost any type of network attacks and malware. We recommend using a firewall at all times you are connected to the Internet.

How can you use the firewall?

Our firewall is included within the BullGuard Internet Security suite. We recommend using this guide if you want to know more about configuring it or need to perform any changes.

  Open the Firewall

First, you should open your BullGuard application. Double-click the BullGuard icon near the clock and click on the Firewall icon.

  Next, please choose a task

I want to enable/disable the Firewall

I want to block all Internet traffic

I want to see the banned hosts in my Firewall

I want to see the trusted hosts in my Firewall

I want to monitor and control all my installed applications that currently require Internet/network connection

I want to configure advanced connection settings for all applications that require Internet/network connection

I want to enable/disable and edit the Intrusion Detection/Attack Detection system

I want to enable/disable the File and Printers Sharing

I want to enable/disable the Firewall protection when BullGuard is closed

I want to choose the best profile for my needs

I want to edit my custom profile

I want to monitor, use and control my Firewall logs

Why is one of my programs or my Internet/network connection not working with the Firewall enabled?

Which applications should (not) be allowed to access the network/Internet?

What should I do when I receive messages from the Firewall that I am under attack?

What should I do if the Firewall asks me to allow or block an application every time I want to use it?

    How to block the entire traffic

This guide will explain the option named Block entire traffic, also called the "Panic switch".

When using the Panic switch, your computer will be unable to send or receive any kind of network traffic. The network connection is completely severed, thus isolating your computer from the network. The connection loss is instantaneous, and happens as soon as you click the option.

This option can prove useful when you notice suspicious network traffic on your computer, which can signal the beginning of a network attack. As the range of network attack is getting ever more varied, using the Panic switch might prevent any attempt to infiltrate your computer as the Firewall will simply act as a barrier deflecting all network traffic.

Keeping BullGuard up-to-date will ensure that the Firewall will know how to counteract any attack. Therefore, we strongly believe that you will never have to use this option.

The Block entire traffic option is found in the Firewall section > Overview tab:

The Firewall will notify you that the traffic is temporarily blocked.

To re-enable your Internet connection, you only need to perform the same steps in reverse:

 - Open your BullGuard application, go to the Firewall section > Overview tab

 - Check the button named Block entire traffic (Panic switch).

Congratulations! You now know how to enable and disable your Internet connection!

Kind regards,

The BullGuard Team