Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To set up UFW safely on an Ubuntu server, first allow the SSH service or port you actually use, then allow only the other required services, enable UFW, and verify the active rules. If another tool already manages the host firewall—especially native nftables—identify how it interacts with UFW before changing anything.
Before you enable UFW
UFW is Ubuntu’s command-line frontend for configuring common host firewall rules. It is stateful and suits many everyday cases, but it is not a complete firewall-management interface for every advanced configuration. Ubuntu’s Server documentation describes it as an easy way to add or remove simple rules, mainly for host-based firewalls: Ubuntu Server: Firewall.
- Confirm how you access the machine and which port SSH actually uses.
- List the services the host needs to expose, and confirm their listening ports and intended audience.
- Check whether existing firewall rules are managed by UFW, native nftables, or another tool. Ubuntu warns not to use UFW concurrently with native nftables rules: Ubuntu Security: nftables.
Do not apply a generic list of open ports to every server. Requirements depend on its services, network exposure, and whether it forwards traffic.
Allow SSH before enabling the firewall
If you administer the machine over SSH, add an allow rule for the correct SSH service or port before turning UFW on. For a host with the standard OpenSSH application profile, run:
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
sudo ufw allow OpenSSHCanonical’s Kubernetes UFW guidance also explicitly allows OpenSSH before enabling UFW to preserve remote access: How to configure UFW for Canonical Kubernetes. Its Kubernetes port and forwarding rules are deployment-specific; do not copy them into an unrelated server setup.
If SSH uses a nonstandard port or a customized profile, allow the actual service instead. UFW accepts port numbers and service names from /etc/services. To restrict SSH to a known management source, for example, replace the documentation-example address below with the real host or subnet:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
sudo ufw allow proto tcp from 192.0.2.10 to any port 22Allow only the services the host needs
For each application, verify its listening port and decide whether it must be reachable from everywhere or only from specific sources. For a service intended to accept HTTPS over TCP, the rule can be:
sudo ufw allow 443/tcpUFW also supports application profiles, but not every application provides one. Inspect the profiles installed on this host before using a profile name:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
sudo ufw app list
sudo ufw app info <profile>
sudo ufw allow <profile>Profiles are stored under /etc/ufw/applications.d. Use a source-restricted rule when a service should be reachable only from a particular trusted host or subnet, rather than exposing it broadly. The Ubuntu Server guide documents port, profile, and source-based rules.
Enable UFW and verify the effective rules
Once the required allow rules are in place, enable UFW and inspect its status:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status verboseOn a remote machine, keep the existing management session open while applying the change, then test a new SSH connection using the intended access path. The status output helps confirm which rules UFW reports as active; the fresh connection checks that the access route you depend on still works.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Preview, inspect, and remove rules carefully
When useful, preview a proposed change without applying it:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
sudo ufw --dry-run allow httpTo inspect the current rules with numbers, run:
sudo ufw status numberedDelete a rule only after identifying the matching entry in the current ruleset. For example, Ubuntu documents this deletion syntax:
sudo ufw delete deny 22That command is an example, not a universal cleanup instruction. If you are removing a specific numbered entry, use the number shown by sudo ufw status numbered and verify the result afterward. UFW also supports numbered insertion and deletion, as documented in the Ubuntu Server firewall guide.
Use logging to troubleshoot, not to validate policy
To turn on UFW logging while diagnosing a problem, run:
sudo ufw logging onUbuntu describes logs as useful for troubleshooting rules, recognizing attacks, and noticing unusual activity. Logging does not prove that the firewall policy is correct: check the configured rules and test the connections that should be allowed or blocked. Log handling depends on the host’s wider logging setup; disable UFW logging when it is no longer needed if that fits your operational policy.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Know when UFW is not the right control point
UFW is designed for common, straightforward host firewall rules. More granular policies or custom chains may require direct iptables or nftables configuration; Ubuntu’s Security documentation explains UFW’s scope and when lower-level tools may be appropriate: Ubuntu Security: Firewall. Ubuntu also notes that UFW invokes the legacy iptables and ip6tables utilities and warns against using it alongside native nftables rule management. On an established host, determine which tool owns the firewall rules before making changes, and do not mix management approaches without a deliberate plan for how their rules interact.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
