Affected Suites: Total Protection 2010, 2011
Internet Security Suite 2010, 2011
AntiVirus Plus 2010, 2011
Affected Products: Personal Firewall
Affected Operating Systems: Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
NOTE: If you are unsure what version of the McAfee Security software you have installed, please see article TS101107.
Summary
This article explains the various security levels available in the Personal Firewall.
System Change
McAfee Personal Firewall security levels allow you to control how much interaction is required to validate communications to and from your computer. When the firewall detects network communication that does not have a rule defined for handling, an alert prompts you to allow or block that communication. The more restrictive a security level chosen the greater the number of rules that are in effect, and more options and alerts are displayed.
There are 5 levels on the Firewall Security Level page (including Lockdown)
Security Levels for McAfee Personal Firewall
Security level ranges from Lockdown to Open
Security Levels
Functionality
OTHER
Full Access
Y
No action is required by user for connections to be allowed.
Outgoing Access (Default level)
Y
Little or no action is required by user for connections to be allowed. Only inbound events prompt user permission.
Monitored Access
Y
Alerts allow the user to grant access for application once. Any future changes must be made manually from the Program Permissions pane in MSC.
Stealth
Y
Blocks all connections you haven’t configured a rule for. This setting is used to hide your computer's presence on the Internet.
Lockdown
Y
Blocks all connections. This is similar to unplugging the network cable.
Solution
Configure Security Settings:
Double-click the M icon in your taskbar.
Open the Web and Email Protection drawer.
Click the Firewall link.
Open the Security Levels drawer. From the Security Level drawer you can change the security level selecting the Radio Button for the desired level.
Click Apply to save the settings.
NOTE: If you are a novice user we recommend using the default settings.
Other Firewall Controls
Lockdown Firewall:
You can use the Lockdown Firewall feature to instantly block all network communication between your computer and any network, including the Internet.
Double-click the M icon in your taskbar.
Open the Web and Email Protection drawer.
Click the Firewall link.
Open the Security Levels drawer.
Select the radio button beside Lockdown.
Click Apply to save these settings.
Restore Default Firewall settings:
You can quickly restore Personal Firewall to its original protection settings. Restore resets your security level to Trusting and allows outbound-only network access, enables Smart Recommendations, restores the list of default programs and their permissions in the Program Permissions pane, removes trusted and banned IP addresses, and restores system services, event log settings, and intrusion detection.
Double-click the M icon in your taskbar.
Open the Web and Email Protection drawer.
Click the Firewall link.
Click the Restore Defaults button.
Disabling Firewall protection:
You can disable Personal Firewall if you do not want to protect your computer from intrusion and unwanted network communication. When Firewall is disabled, you cannot manage inbound or outbound Internet connections.
IMPORTANT: For your protection, McAfee does not recommend disabling the Personal Firewall.
Double-click the M icon in your taskbar.
Open the Web and Email Protection drawer.
Click the Firewall link.
Click Turn Off.
Select the time for the confirmation window (15, 30, 45, 60 minutes, When I restart, or Never), then click Turn Off.
| Support FAQ | Security Advice | Cannot find a solution? | Get the latest support news 
