Skip to main content

How to use UFW on Linux

UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) makes firewall management easier on Linux. This guide shows you how to install, activate, and configure core rules.

1. Install UFW​

Update the package list:

sudo apt update

Install UFW:

sudo apt install ufw

Check current status:

sudo ufw status

If UFW is disabled, the output will show Status: inactive.

2. Preserve SSH access​

Before activating the firewall, allow SSH connections to avoid losing remote access to the VPS:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH

3. Activate UFW​

Run:

sudo ufw enable

Confirm activation by typing y if prompted.

4. View the rules​

To list the configured rules in more detail, run:

sudo ufw status verbose

5. Add new rules​

Allow a port​

To allow port 80:

sudo ufw allow 80

To also define the protocol:

sudo ufw allow 80/tcp

Block a port​

To block port 80:

sudo ufw deny 80

Allow an IP address​

To release connections from a specific IP address:

sudo ufw allow from 192.168.1.10

If you still need help, open a ticket with our support.