Security: a fortress or a sieve? Firewalls are the gatekeepers of digital realms, and in the Linux world, UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is your trusty warden. But what if you prefer to work more visually? The GUI version of UFW, GUFW, is what you want. So now drop those command-line-based instructions and get ready to install and learn how to work with GUFW on your Ubuntu system; after all, managing your firewall need not be a difficult command-line assault but an effortless point-and-click joy.
Note : while the instructions below are shown for Ubuntu, it will work for most Linux distributions too.
Install GUFW on Ubuntu via Terminal
Have a GUFW spell added to your firewall? Float the Universe key! GUFW lies in the Universe Repository of Ubuntu. So, enable this Universe Repository as a prerequisite. Henceforth, all you have to do is an apt install!
“`
sudo
add-apt-repository universe “`
Now that the Universe Repository is added, update the package repository:
“`
sudo
apt update “`
Once your system is updated, run the command below to install GUFW on your Ubuntu machine:
“`
sudo
apt
install
gufw
-y
“`
Install GUFW on Ubuntu via Software Center
Are you planning to power up Ubuntu Software Center and convert your digital den into a secure realm using GUFW? Simply type in “GUFW” within the Search bar, then click to cast it free!
Click on the Install button to begin the GUFW installation process:
It will be installed on your system in just a few minutes.
Note : If you are not using Ubuntu, you will be able to find GUFW in your distro’s package manager.
Enable or Disable GUFW on Ubuntu
After successful installation of GUFW, you can access it on your system by executing the following command:
“`
sudo
gufw “`
Another route is to go directly to the System menu. Think of the System menu as an array of your computer’s management tools. While browsing, locate GUFW, the Firewall Configuration app, and hit that shield icon to start defending.
Looking at the control panel of GUFW, one has an overview of the activity going on at the firewall. This at-a-glance view would show the active profile, the current status of the firewall (off or on), and a summary of the rules the firewall adheres to with regard to incoming and outgoing network traffic. The status toggle itself feels like a jarring reminder of power-at-will, instantly allowing one to activate or deactivate the firewall protection.
To enable or disable GUFW, you can toggle the status switch on or off:
Edit GUFW Profiles
GUFW doles out various firewall profiles in a sort of security-by-choice buffet. Choose your own defense level downgraded from the dropdown. Each profile includes a predefined set of rules that work behind the scenes to allow or disallow network traffic in line with your selected security ward.
There are three preconfigured profiles, whose details are listed below:
1. Public Profile
While on public Wi-Fi, anything from a coffee shop to the library, have the GUFW public profile activated. Think of it as a digital “Do Not Disturb” sign. Surfing websites or mailing is all perfectly okay, but that public profile closes the door on unwanted visitors seeking entry into your computer. It is a shield from hackers that might be lurking on the same network, thus keeping all of your precious information safe and sound. Use it; it is your best defense in the wild west of public Wi-Fi.
2. Office Profile
You should protect your network’s perimeter with a customizable gateway: very precisely guards your outbound traffic while creating a select barrier for inbound connections that suits your individual security setup. It is made so that it would integrate in a corporate or an office configuration with ease.
3. Home Profile
Imagine your home computer network as a friendly fortress. The Home profile acts as the gatekeeper that offers full freedom to venture out to the devices, who are selectively permitted to trust them when accepting visitors through SSH for remote access or web servers that share creations with them. It is just the right amount of freedom in a safe atmosphere surrounded by trusted digital friends at home.
Apart from preconfigured profiles, we can also create custom profiles and delete any unnecessary profiles.
To edit a profile, go to the Edit tab and select Preferences:
To add a new profile, click on the+icon at the bottom of the Firewall Preferences window:
By default, the new profile will be named Profile1, Profile2, etc. Double-click on it to rename it:
To delete a profile, select the profile to be removed and click the–button:
Now, click the close button to exit the Firewall preference and proceed with other rules.
Understanding GUFW Rules
GUFW can be treated simply as a personal bouncer for your network, deciding every element on the ingress or egress. Custom rules are your scanners with which you assign security profiles according to your specifications. Some proficiency with these rules requires knowledge about your network as well as the safety level you aim to obtain. Never ditch a chance to audit and sharpen your rules-giving-your bouncer training possibly-the best gift ever in spotting the stealthiest intruders promising-keeping disruption away from your digital realm while putting forth the exact traffic you desired.
GUFW offers several types of rules you can apply to manage network connections:
- Allow:It allows all data through a specific port without any restrictions.
- Deny:Blocks all incoming data through the selected port. “Reject,” unlike a silent “Deny,” basically means slamming the door on anyone who is trying to gain reentry, thus sending back a loud “Access denied” to the sender.
Add GUFW Rules
To make a hole in your firewall, the first thing is to identify the profile which is eager to be accorded with a new rule. Then, hit that plus sign+the gateway to fortification!
Here’s a gateway to enter the control center of your firewall! Inside this world, you will find three different methods to create your pathway defenses: the easiest way is “Preconfigured”; the “Simple” method is just right for the tenderfoot, and the more complicated labyrinth goes under the name “Advanced.”
Instantly ready for launch with no hassle?Preconfigured settings require zero control. Just block or allow common protocols like HTTP and SSH with one single click. Be secure now!
- Simpleis also beginner-friendly but gives you more control, such as choosing specific ports and setting rule direction.Advanced Mode, the way to go for finegrained control. Dive into deep network customizations. Create hinegrained rules based on IP addresses, subnets, protocols, and even specific network interfaces. A whole lot of power at your fingertips.
Select the policy, direction, category, subcategory, and application as needed, then click theAddbutton to apply the rule.
Edit GUFW Rules
Do you want to modify a GUFW rule? Just select the one you want, then click the gear icon.
Now, on the pop-up window, you can update the firewall rule and click Apply to save the changes:
Fortify your Ubuntu fortress with GUFW! A firewall plays the role of a digital bouncer, and GUFW (Graphical Uncomplicated Firewall) is your easy-to-go control panel. It’s the first defense against unwelcome digital visitors; it grants access to whom you trust and slams on the door for the rest. Why stop there? Fortify your system with the best antivirus possible because bouncers alone can miss a few sneaky ones. Onto the layered approach, for a happy and secure Ubuntu experience.
Thanks for reading Setting Up Graphical Uncomplicated Firewall (GUFW) on Ubuntu
