Discord & Windows Firewall: Security Risks?

G5 Cyber Security

2 weeks ago

TL;DR

Allowing Discord through your Windows Firewall is generally safe if you trust the application and its source. However, it does create a potential attack surface. We’ll cover how to check permissions, understand risks, and minimise problems.

Understanding the Risks

When you allow an application like Discord through the firewall, you’re telling Windows to let it communicate directly with the internet, bypassing some security checks. This is necessary for Discord to function (voice chat, messaging etc.), but also means:

Increased Attack Surface: If Discord were compromised, attackers could use this open connection to access your network.
Data Exposure: While Discord encrypts data in transit, allowing it through the firewall doesn’t guarantee complete security if other vulnerabilities exist.
Malware Disguise: A malicious program *could* disguise itself as Discord to gain access.

Checking Existing Firewall Rules

First, let’s see what rules are already in place for Discord.

Open Windows Defender Firewall: Search for ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ in the Start menu and open it.
Click ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall’ on the left-hand side.
Check the list: Look for Discord (or Discord.exe). See if it’s checked for both ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ networks.

Managing Discord Firewall Permissions

Here’s how to control whether Discord can communicate through your firewall.

To Allow/Block: Check or uncheck the boxes next to Discord for ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ networks as needed.
‘Change settings’: You may need to click ‘Change settings’ at the top of the window to make changes (requires administrator privileges).

Advanced Firewall Control (Command Line)

For more control, you can use the command line.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for ‘cmd’, right-click and select ‘Run as administrator’.
List Rules: Use this to see all firewall rules:
```
netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name=all
```
Add a Rule (Allow): This allows Discord through the firewall. Replace C:Program FilesDiscordDiscord.exe with the actual path if different.
```
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Discord" dir=in action=allow program="C:Program FilesDiscordDiscord.exe" enable=yes
```

Delete a Rule (Block): This removes the Discord rule.

netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name="Discord"

Minimising Risks

Keep Discord Updated: Updates often include security fixes.
Download from Official Source: Only download Discord from the official website.
Antivirus Software: Ensure your antivirus software is active and up-to-date.
Network Awareness: Be cautious about using Discord on public Wi-Fi networks; consider a VPN.
Monitor Network Activity: Use Resource Monitor (search for it in the Start menu) to check what Discord is doing – unusual activity could indicate a problem.