How can I configure Norton 360 "Traffic Rules" and "Program Rules" to best protect myself from hackers? How can I tell if a hacker is looking at my computer? I'm a noob, and any information is well appreciated. I am a Norton 360 user with windows 7 (64 bit).
Hi CoreyB,
For the best protection leave Automatic Program Control enabled and all firewall settings at their defaults. All firewalls will block unsolicited incoming traffic, so that will take care of any potential hackers. What you are asking about are primarily rules governing outbound traffic, which prevent any malicious programs that might already be present on your system from phoning home. Automatic Program Control confirms the legitimacy of each program requesting network access, using a hashing scheme, and checks the communication for characteristics of malicious traffic. If necessary, the Smart Firewall in APC mode can even query other Norton components about the program wanting access. The firewall has much more information available to it than most users would have on their own. So you are much safer, and less likely to block a legitimate or necessary internet request, if you leave the firewall at its defaults and let it make the decisions on what to allow and what to block.
Thank you so much for your help and your fast response!
You're welcome.