McAfee VSF08EMB3RUA User Guide - Page 74

72 McAfee VirusScan Plus Managing Firewall security levels Firewall's security levels control the degree to which you want to manage and respond to alerts. These alerts appear when it detects unwanted network traffic and inbound and outbound Internet connections. By default, Firewall's security level is set to Trusting, with outbound-only access. When Trusting security level is set and Smart Recommendations is enabled, yellow alerts provide the option to either allow or block access for unknown programs that require inbound access. When known programs are detected, green informational alerts appear, and access is automatically allowed. Allowing access lets a program create outbound connections and listen for unsolicited incoming connections. Generally, the more restrictive a security level (Stealth and Tight), the greater the number of options and alerts that are displayed and which, in turn, must be handled by you. The following table describes Firewall's six security levels, starting from the most restrictive to the least: Level Lockdown Stealth Tight Standard Description Blocks all inbound and outbound network connections, including access to Web sites, e-mail, and security updates. This security level has the same result as removing your connection to the Internet. You can use this setting to block ports you set to open on the System Services pane. Blocks all inbound Internet connections, except open ports, hiding your computer's presence on the Internet. The firewall alerts you when new programs attempt outbound Internet connections or receive inbound connection requests. Blocked and added programs appear on the Program Permissions pane. Alerts you when new programs attempt outbound Internet connections or receive inbound connection requests. Blocked and added programs appear on the Program Permissions pane. When the security level is set to Tight, a program only requests the type of access it requires at that time, for example outbound-only access, which you can either allow or block. Later, if the program requires both an inbound and an outbound connection, you can allow full access for the program from the Program Permissions pane. Monitors inbound and outbound connections and alerts you when new programs attempt Internet access. Blocked and added programs appear on the Program Permissions pane.