> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr/insights-and-tips-cortex-xdr/security-operations-and-response/host-firewall-overview.md).

# Host firewall overview

Configure and manage the Cortex XDR host firewall through the Cortex XDR agent, including rules and location-based policies.

The Cortex XDR agent includes a host firewall. You manage endpoint firewall policy centrally from Cortex XDR, without a separate firewall agent.

### What you can configure

* **Action:** Allow or Block.
* **Direction:** Inbound, Outbound, or Both.
* **Protocol:** TCP, UDP, ICMPv4, ICMPv6, or a custom protocol number.
* **Addresses and ports:** Local and remote IP addresses or ranges, and ports.
* **Application:** Limit a rule to specific applications or services. Options depend on the platform.
* **Location:** Use separate **Internal** and **External** rule groups, depending on whether the endpoint is on your corporate network.

Rules are organized into rule groups and enforced in priority order, from top to bottom.

### Location-based rules

To apply different rules on and off the corporate network, enable **network location configuration** in the Agent Settings profile, and enable **Location Based** in the host firewall profile. The agent re-evaluates its location at each heartbeat and when it detects a network change. If **Location Based** is disabled, the internal rules apply everywhere.

{% hint style="warning" %}
On Windows, enforcing Cortex host firewall rules takes control from Windows Firewall. On macOS, disabling or removing the Cortex host firewall policy also disables the system firewall.
{% endhint %}

See [Host firewall](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/protect-your-endpoints/install-and-manage-endpoints/harden-endpoint-security/host-firewall), [Host firewall for Windows](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/protect-your-endpoints/install-and-manage-endpoints/harden-endpoint-security/host-firewall/host-firewall-for-windows), and [Host firewall for macOS](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/protect-your-endpoints/install-and-manage-endpoints/harden-endpoint-security/host-firewall/host-firewall-for-macos).


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