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ActiveDefender User Guide

Step-by-step instructions for using ActiveDefender

7. Security Rules [Security Manager]

Security Rules

Here you will be able to tell your computer exactly what level of access each program has (Program Rules tab), exactly what Internet addresses your computer can communicate with (Internet Address Rules tab), and exactly which ports can be used for sending data (Port Rules tab).

When you control these three things, your system can be safe from hackers and evil corporations.

Security Rules Tab
Three options under Security Rules:
Program Rules, Internet Address Rules, and Port Rules

 

Program Rules

Program Rules

Under Program Rules, you will see a list of the programs that ActiveDefender has automatically detected trying to access the Internet. You can change the type of access they have by clicking on Allow, Deny, or Alert.

Allow: This program has been given access to the Internet. It will be able to access the Internet without your permission. You may want to set frequently used programs that you trust to Allow (such as Internet Explorer or AOL Instant Messenger).

Deny: Programs that have no business accessing the Internet should be set to Deny. Any program set this way will not be able to send your private data to the outside world. For programs you simply do not trust, set to Deny!

Alert: You might want to grant certain programs access to the Internet, but only after it has asked your permission. Programs set on Alert will need permission to access the Internet every time they try.

These boxes control your program's access to the internet Program Alert
Above: Example of the kind of alert message you will get for new programs or programs set on Alert when they try to access the Internet.

 

Internet Address Rules

You can add or remove Internet Addresses that are not allowed to be accessed from your machine. No program on your computer will be able to access any Internet Address that you have listed here.

Many web sites have more than one Internet Address for a single domain name. All of these corresponding IP addresses are automatically added to the restricted list, once that site is added to the list. Examples: www.hackers.com, amazon.com, 192.168.1.1

Internet Address Rules

 

Port Rules

You can restrict Internet access over specified port numbers as well. When a program accesses the Internet from your computer, it does so over a PORT. For example, Internet Explorer uses port 80 to transmit data to and from the Internet. Enter the number of the port that you wish to restrict and click on the Add button.

Ports are in the range of 0 to 65535.

Port Rules

Special Tip:
From the Programs Rules window, you can select the option of “Allow access to all new programs” or “Ask me by displaying an alert.” To keep secret programs from accessing the Internet and sending your personal information (programs known as spyware), you should keep your Program Rules set to alert you when new programs need to access the Internet.

ActiveDefender is set this way by default.