One way to stay safe on public networks (e.g. Wi-Fi at hotels, airports, and restaurants) is to block incoming connections on your device. That’ll keep out hackers and other malicious tools on the network from gaining access to your computer. Conversely, blocking outgoing connections can help prevent your apps from connecting to an unsafe internet network. It’s an effective way to stop a suspicious app/malware from downloading additional malware or communicating with its server.
Block Incoming Connection on Windows 10
Block Incoming Connection on Windows 10
You can restrict incoming connections by tweaking the Windows 10 Firewall settings. Here’s how to get it done.
Block Outgoing Connections on Windows 10
Block Outgoing Connections on Windows 10
There are two ways to stop outgoing connections on Windows 10. Check them out below.
Method 1: Block Outgoing Connections for All Apps
You can easily restrict outgoing connections for all apps by modifying the Windows Firewall advanced security settings. In the Windows Defender Firewall menu, select Advanced settings on the left sidebar. Right-click “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer” and select Properties. Go to the Public Profile tab if you’re connected to a public network, or the Private Profile tab if you want to block outgoing connections for a private network. For computers joined to a domain, the Domain Profile tab is the place to block outgoing connections. Click the Outbound connections drop-down option and select Block. Select Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Method 2: Block Outgoing Connections for a Specific Program
Say you want to block outgoing connections for your web browser only, Windows lets you do that efficiently. This can also serve as a parental control tool to prevent your kids from accessing the internet. In the Firewall Advanced Security menu, select and right-click Outbound Rules. Select New Rule on the context menu to proceed. Select Program and select Next. Select Browse to choose the application. Go to Local Disk (C:) > Program Files (x86) to find applications installed on your PC. Use the search box to locate an app that isn’t in the Program Files folder. Select the application’s executable file (.exe) and select Open. Select Next to proceed. Afterward, select Block the connection and click Next. Specify the network profile(s) for which you want Windows to block the app’s outgoing connection. Select Next to proceed. Give the outbound rule a name or a description and select Finish. To unblock outgoing connections for the app, double-click on the outbound rule in the Firewall Advanced Security menu. Select Allow the connection, then select Apply and OK. Alternatively, you could right-click on the rule and select Delete or Disable Rule. These options will also grant the app access to initiate outgoing connections.
Block Incoming Connections on Mac
Block Incoming Connections on Mac
Restricting incoming connections on Mac is also straightforward. Read the steps below.
Block Outgoing Connections on Mac
Block Outgoing Connections on Mac
macOS lacks a native tool or built-in method to block outgoing connections. There’s a workaround that involves blocking a website’s IP address or domain name, but it isn’t straightforward. Likewise, the method can only be used to block outgoing connections to websites, not applications. Follow the steps below to try it out.
Unblock Outgoing Connections on Mac
Unblock Outgoing Connections on Mac
You can’t unblock an app’s outgoing connection by entering some Terminal codes or commands. You’ll need to restore the backup Hosts file you created while blocking the app’s connection. Follow the steps below to get it done.
Use Third-Party Apps
Use Third-Party Apps
Managing outgoing connections on macOS is quite exhausting. Interestingly, there are third-party apps like Little Snitch and Radio Silence that simplify the task. These apps aren’t free, but they offer generous trial modes that let you use them without payment for a specific period. Little Snitch (from $ 48.99) has a demo mode with a 3-hour limitation per session while Radio Silence ($9) offers a 30-day free trial. We tested both apps and they blocked outgoing connections perfectly. Radio Silence is the cost-effective option but Little Snitch is feature-packed and sports advanced features like silent mode, alert mode, network map, and more.
