The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

From Windows Vista Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of Windows Firewall Public – Inbound

Associated with IA controls: ECSC-1

SV-18494r2_rule The Windows Firewall must block unsolicited inbound connections for the Public Profile.

Vulnerability discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. Unsolicited inbound connections may be malicious attempts to gain access to a system. Unsolicited inbound connections for which there is no rule allowing the connection will be blocked on a public network.

Check content

Fix text

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -> Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -> Windows Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) -> Public Profile Tab -> State, "Inbound connections" to "Block (default)". Configure a comparable setting if a third-party firewall is used.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.