- Products
- Network Security
Next Generation FirewallNext-generation firewall for SMB, Enterprise, and Government
Security ServicesComprehensive security for your network security solution
Network Security ManagerModern Security Management for today’s security landscape
- Advanced Threat Protection
Capture ATPMulti-engine advanced threat detection
Capture Security applianceAdvanced Threat Protection for modern threat landscape
- Access Security
Cloud Edge Secure AccessDeploy Zero-Trust Security in minutes
Secure Mobile AccessRemote, best-in-class, secure access
Wireless Access PointsEasy to manage, fast and secure Wi-FI
SwitchesHigh-speed network switching for business connectivity
- Email Security
Email SecurityProtect against today’s advanced email threats
- Cloud Security
Cloud App SecurityVisibility and security for Cloud Apps
Cloud Firewall (NSv)Next-generation firewall capabilities in the cloud
- Endpoint Security
Capture ClientStop advanced threats and rollback the damage caused by malware
Content Filtering ClientControl access to unwanted and unsecure web content
- Product Widgets
- Product Menu Right Image
- Network Security
- Solutions
- Solutions Widgets
- Solutions Image Widgets
- Solutions Widgets
- Partners
- Partner Widgets
- Partners Image Widgets
- Partner Widgets
- Support
- Support Widget
- Support Image Widgets
- Support Widget
- Products
- Network Security
- Next Generation FirewallNext-generation firewall for SMB, Enterprise, and Government
- Security ServicesComprehensive security for your network security solution
- Network Security ManagerModern Security Management for today’s security landscape
- Advanced Threat Protection
- Capture ATPMulti-engine advanced threat detection
- Capture Security applianceAdvanced Threat Protection for modern threat landscape
- Access Security
- Cloud Edge Secure AccessDeploy Zero-Trust Security in minutes
- Secure Mobile AccessRemote, best-in-class, secure access
- Wireless Access PointsEasy to manage, fast and secure Wi-FI
- SwitchesHigh-speed network switching for business connectivity
- Email Security
- Email SecurityProtect against today’s advanced email threats
- Cloud Security
- Cloud App SecurityVisibility and security for Cloud Apps
- Cloud Firewall (NSv)Next-generation firewall capabilities in the cloud
- Endpoint Security
- Capture ClientStop advanced threats and rollback the damage caused by malware
- Content Filtering ClientControl access to unwanted and unsecure web content
- Product Widgets
- Product Menu Right Image
- Network Security
- Solutions
- Solutions Widgets
- Solutions Image Widgets
- Solutions Widgets
- Partners
- Partner Widgets
- Partners Image Widgets
- Partner Widgets
- Support
- Support Widget
- Support Image Widgets
- Support Widget
What is Stealth Mode?
03/26/2020 
112 People found this article helpful
98,677 Views
Description
What is Stealth Mode?
Resolution
Normally, when a connection is attempted to the SonicWall or a node behind it from the WAN or DMZ, the SonicWall sends a reset packet back to the client that initiated the connection then drops it. This is the correct behavior based on the IP protocol specifications. However, some users prefer that security devices not respond at all, as any response confirms that a device exists at the IP address to which the client tried to connect. If the security device does not respond, the result is as if the remote node is trying to connect to an IP address that is not assigned to anything. This is known as stealth mode.
By default, the SonicWall responds to any denied connection with a reset packet. The SonicWall can be configured to operate in stealth mode by selecting the option on the appropriate page:
- Firmware 6.X (and prior): on the Access > Services tab
- SonicOS Standard: on the Firewall | Access Rules | Advanced page
- SonicOS Enhanced: on the Firewall | Advanced page
- SonicOS 6.5 : Navigate to the Manage Tab, navigate to Firewall Settings | Advanced Settings
If the SonicWall firewall appliance is running SonicOS Enhanced firmware, it is possible to enable stealth mode for specific access rules. When creating new access rules on the Firewall > Access Rules page, traffic may be blocked by specifying either the "deny" or "discard" action. Choosing the deny action means that a reset packet will be sent to the machine requesting the blocked traffic. Choosing the discard action means that no reset packet will be sent in response to blocked traffic. Instead, the firewall will act as though it were in stealth mode for the access rule in question.
Related Articles
- How to remove 2FA for admin using CLI
- 2FA authentication error using TOTP "Please try again later"
- Methods to add Address Objects
Categories
- Firewalls > TZ Series
- Firewalls > SonicWall SuperMassive E10000 Series
- Firewalls > SonicWall SuperMassive 9000 Series
- Firewalls > SonicWall NSA Series
YES
NO