dictionary attack of sa password - local security policy

[notshai]

running 2008 R2 with SQL server 2008 R2.

we get non stop dictionary attacks on the sa password (not successful so far).

the sql server port is open (when i turn the firewall ON even with the SQL port open our web applications do not work, so for now it will stay OFF).

i enabled an incoming rule in local security policy under "windows firewall with advanced security" to "block the connection" for "all programs that meet the specified conditions" with "any" ports and in the "Scope" i enterred all the attackers IP addresses BOTH in local and remote IP addresses section (i tried "remote" first, but it didnt help, i tried "local" as well and it did not help) and it was unsuccesful, the same IP still attack even after being enterred in the "Scope".
View attachment 191
can someone explain what am i missing?
[there is another rule allowing ALL for local IP's in the "Scope" = 192.168.1.0/24]

is this rule functional ONLY when the firewall is on?
in Windows 2003 there was "routing and remote access" where i was able to block incoming IP's, is this above mentioned similar?
View attachment 192

 

[ICTCity]

Hi, of course you need that your fw is turned on in order to apply your rules.

Talk with programmers in order to understand which port must be opened on your firewall. Remember that Windows Firewall can block ports, programs, IPs, so be sure to block / unblock everything you need / don't need.

Also check this article:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff648664.aspx#c18618429_010

Especially chapters 3,4,7,9,10,11

Trust me, this is a great article!