How to Open an SSL Port

By Damarious Page

Firewalls help to mitigate attacks from hackers and viruses.
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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that helps to secure user data when it is transmitted across the Internet. Common uses of the SSL protocol are when people shop or bank online. Users might notice that the standard "HTTP" protocol in the Internet browser's address bar includes the letter "S," which signifies the connection is secure. However, many other activities on the PC utilize SSL in the background, such as using email clients and establishing virtual private networks. If you are having trouble using a secured service or application on your PC, your problem may be that you need to open the SSL port.

Windows 7

Click "Start." Type "Windows Firewall" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Click on the link from the list of results on the menu.

Click the "Advanced Settings" link in the left pane of the window. Select "Inbound Rules" in the left pane.

Choose "New Rules" in the right pane. Fill in the "Port" radio button. Click "Next." Fill in the "TCP" radio button. Type "443" in the "Specific Local Ports" field. Click "Next."

Select "Allow the Connection." Click "Next." Check mark "Domain" and "Private." Click "Next." Name this new rule "Open SSL Port 443." Click "Finish."

Click "Outbound Rules" in the left pane. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4, and this will complete the opening of the SSL port using the Windows Firewall in Windows 7.

Windows Vista

Click "Start." Type "Windows Firewall" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Click on that link from the list of results on the menu.

Click "Allow a Program Through Windows Firewall." Click "Add Port" on the "Exceptions" tab.

Type in "Open SSL Port 443" to name this rule. Enter "443" as the port number. Click "TCP."

Click the "Change Scope" button. Select "My Network." Click "OK" and this will complete the opening of the SSL port using the Windows Firewall in Windows Vista.

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