Block Active Attacks using Shields Up mode in Windows Firewall

Shields Up mode is an important feature in Windows Firewall that you can use to mitigate the damage during an active attack. When you face an attack, you can turn on this feature of Windows Firewall to prevent further damage from the attack. In this article, we will show you how to block active attacks using the Shields Up mode in Windows Firewall.

Block active attacks using Shields Up mode in Windows Firewall

To block active attacks using the Shields Up mode in Windows Firewall of Windows 11/10 you will have to manually enable the required option using any one of these two methods:

1. Via Windows Settings
2. Via the Control Panel

When the Shields Up mode is active, Windows Firewall blocks all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps to prevent further damage from the attack. When the attack is over, disable this feature.

1] Windows Settings

1. Click on Windows Search and type Windows Security. Click on the matched result to open Windows Security.
2. Select the Firewall & network protection category from the left side.
3. On the right side, click on the network for which you want to enable this feature.
4. Under the Incoming connections section, enable the following checkbox:
   • Blocks all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps.
5. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.

2] The Control Panel

Go through the following instructions:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Switch the View by mode to Large icons.
3. Click Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Now, click on the Turn Windows Firewall on and off link on the left side.
5. Select the “Block all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps” checkbox for your network.

By default, Windows Firewall allows traffic as defined in the exception list. However, if the Shields Up mode is active, Windows Firewall blocks all incoming connections, overriding the previous exceptions. Therefore, turning on this feature only if your network is under attack is suggested. Once the attack is over, turn this feature off again.

I hope this helps.

How to block outbound connections with Windows Firewall?

You can easily block outbound connections with Windows Firewall by creating Outbound Rules. Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings. Select Outbound Rules from the left side. Now, click New Rule on the right side to create a new Outbound Rule in Windows Firewall.

Can a firewall block outgoing traffic?

Yes, a Firewall can block outgoing traffic. You need to configure a firewall to block outgoing traffic. Open Windows Firewall settings and create an outbound rule to block the outgoing traffic.

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