Should I have firewall turned on on my Mac Reddit?

Not usually.

The firewall on the system itself, is largely irrelevant when connected via any modern router, as the router itself will have its own, hardware-based firewall built in.

However: I’d recommend enabling the built-in firewall whenever you’re connected to a router that you don’t have control of yourself, such as at a public WiFi hotspot.

Hi All, I am about to purchase my very first Apple product: An M1 MBA. I've been a Windows user since 3.11 and have always installed firewalls and antivirus software.

So I need to do this with the MBA? Can I simply plug it into my router and use the internet (I'll check with my ISP too).

If I do need a firewall and antivirus are there any you recommend?

I currently use Comodo (free one) and am happy with it, but the Mac version is only Antivirus not a firewall.

TIA

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Posted by4 years ago

In this day and age I don't understand why Apple ships macOS with the Firewall turned off by default. What harm would it do to have it turned on?

12 comments

75% Upvoted

level 1

[deleted]

There’s not really any point because by default there are no remote services enabled/open ports.

5

level 2

Op · 4 yr. ago

True. But what’s the first thing people do when they get a Mac? Probably install applications which may cause network breaches without the firewall being on.

-2

Continue this thread 

level 1

· 4 yr. ago

What benefit would it serve to turn it on by default? Most routers have hardware firewalls and there are no open ports on the Mac by default.

2

level 2

[deleted]

People use their laptops on public WiFi all the time.

2

Continue this thread 

level 2

Op · 4 yr. ago

It’s a firewall...it should be on.

0

Continue this thread 

level 1

· 4 yr. ago

And what will we do will do with Firewall?

1

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Is it worth turning on firewall on Mac?

Should my firewall be on or off on my Mac?