The main features, or functions, of Platinum Internet Security’s firewall protection include the following:
The firewall protection allows you to specify the programs installed on your computer that can access the network (or the Internet). In these cases you can establish several access permission levels: Allowed (the program has unrestricted access), Denied (the program does not have access), or Ask (you are asked what action to take when the program tries to access the network).
IP address protection
You can specify the addresses or number or numeric code that uniquely identifies every computer in a network with which the programs can communicate.
Communication port and protocol protection
This enables you to indicate the communication ports (access points in a computer or means through which information is transferred –inbound/outbound – from the computer to the outside and vice-versa) and protocols (sets of code and formats –a language- used by computers to communicate) that programs installed on your computer can use to connect to the network. Similarly, you can also specify the communication ports and protocols through which programs installed on your computer can be used from the network.
Shared folder protection
Your computer may contain shared folders and directories (accessible from other computers in the network). The firewall protection allows you to indicate if shared items can be accessed by the rest of users in the network. Similarly, you can allow / deny access to shared folders in other computers in the network from your own computer.
Protection against intruders
On some occasions there are intrusions in computers. These are carried out by other users that -intentionally or accidentally- try to access your computer and perform actions on it (not always harmless). In fact, and unfortunately, there are more and more programs designed to take control of attacked computers (Trojans). With the Platinum Internet Security firewall, you can detect intrusions and be notified of their existence.
Blocking
Your Platinum Internet Security enables you to block programs that should not have access to the network or the Internet. The program also blocks attempts access programs in your computer from other computers.
Rule definition
Every restriction as well as the firewall protection settings or functioning is determined by a series of rules (work guidelines). These rules cover everything mentioned in the previous sections, allowing or denying access.
Important note: When using and configuring the firewall protection,
bear in mind that the rules you apply can affect the functioning of programs
and network resources shared with other computers. Preventing certain
programs from accessing the network or blocking access to shared folders,
for example, means that other computers connected to the network will
not be able to use them.