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Setting Up a Firewall: Norton Internet Security 2004 for Windows - Basic

Last updated September 1, 2009 10:10:16 AM PDT
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Learn how to set up Norton Personal Firewall to protect your computer against malicious activity.

The Norton Internet Security 2004 package includes Norton Personal Firewall as one of the security programs. The firewall rejects incoming packets on all ports including ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol, which lets ping commands test Internet connections). Enable ICMP echo requests before using UCSD network services.

Start, stop, or modify the firewall at any time or continue to Advanced Settings to create exceptions for additional services.

Before starting, disable all firewalls on your machine, including the Windows XP Service Pack 2 firewall. Don't use Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) or a similar program to install firewall software. Directly connect to your Windows machine, install the firewall, configure it to allow connections to and from RDC, and then reconnect RDC. Otherwise, the firewall blocks the remote connection, and you can't access your machine.

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1. Begin the initial configuration.

  • Double-click the Norton Internet Security icon in the task bar to start the application.
  • Select Personal Firewall, and click the Configure button in the lower right portion of the window. The program installs with the firewall enabled and the security level set at medium.

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2. Customize your settings.

  • The Personal Firewall medium settings provide enough protection for most situations.
    • To increase or decrease security level settings, click the Custom Level... button.
    • To leave your settings at the default, click the Advanced tab, and skip directly to the steps for Enabling ICMP echo requests on UCSD's network.


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3. Continue customizing.

  • The "Customize Security Settings" window controls the Personal Firewall, Java Applet Security, and ActiveX Control Security settings. Use the drop-down menu under each heading to set each level. Changes to 1 of the features won't affect the security level others.
  • The "Enable Access Control Alerts" feature notifies you if unknown programs attempt to access the Internet. Leave this check box selected.
  • The "Alert when unused ports are accessed" feature notifies you if unknown programs attempt to access your system via unused ports. Select the check box if you want alerts.
  • Click the OK button to save changes and close the "Firewall" window.
  • Use Norton Internet Security's many features to configure your firewall. Settings include:
    • Restrict traffic from individual computers or block all network traffic
    • Use IP addresses to limit access to particular subnets, a range of machines, or individual computers
    • Manually configure trusted and restricted zones
    • Modify existing or create new firewall rules

    Refer to the included product documentation for more details on advanced firewall configuration.


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4. Enable ICMP echo requests.

  • You must enable ICMP requests before using UCSD network services. Click on the Advanced tab of the "Norton Internet Security" window.
  • Click the General button in the "Advanced Firewall" window.

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5. Modify the setting.

  • In the "General Rules" window, scroll down the rule list and select Default Block Inbound and Outbound ICMP.
  • Click the Modify button.

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6. Continue adjusting the settings.

  • In the new "Modify Rule" window, click the Action tab.
  • Select the Permit radio button and click OK.

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7. Change the general rules.

  • In the "General Rules" window, verify that these are checked:
    • "Default Block Inbound and Outbound ICMP" rule
    • the word "Permit"
  • Click OK to save your settings.
  • Click OK again to close the "Advanced Firewall" window.
  • Congratulations! Your personal firewall is configured to protect your system. If you choose, you can also add more advanced settings.

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For more information, contact the ACT Help Desk, (858) 534-1853.