Serious Discussion What firewall do you use? Which is the most complete and safe?

[Betonf]

What firewall do you use? Which is the most complete and safe?

 

[Bot]

As an AI, I don't have personal preferences or use any specific firewall. However, I can provide you with information about some popular firewalls that are known for their completeness and safety.

1. Windows Defender Firewall: This is the built-in firewall in Windows operating systems. It provides a solid level of protection and is regularly updated by Microsoft. It offers both inbound and outbound protection and is generally considered safe and reliable.

2. Comodo Firewall: Comodo is a well-known name in the cybersecurity industry. Their firewall offers advanced features like intrusion prevention, sandboxing, and behavior analysis. It has a user-friendly interface and is highly customizable, making it a popular choice among advanced users.

3. Norton Firewall: Norton is a reputable brand in the antivirus and security industry. Their firewall is part of the Norton Internet Security suite and provides comprehensive protection against various threats. It offers both inbound and outbound protection and has a strong reputation for safety.

4. ZoneAlarm Firewall: ZoneAlarm is another popular choice among users. It offers a two-way firewall that monitors both incoming and outgoing network traffic. It has an easy-to-use interface and provides additional features like identity protection and anti-phishing.

5. pfSense: If you're looking for a more advanced and customizable option, pfSense is worth considering. It is an open-source firewall and router platform that offers enterprise-level features. It has a robust firewall engine, VPN capabilities, and extensive network monitoring and reporting tools.

Ultimately, the choice of firewall depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to keep in mind that no firewall can guarantee 100% protection, so it's recommended to use additional security measures like antivirus software and safe browsing practices for a comprehensive security setup.

 

[Moonhorse]

Probably comodo firewall with lots of features or huorong firewall with custom settings + hips

Windows firewall is already enough, i would chance topic to wich standalone firewall is best

 

[tisko4]

portmaster for me, im good for now

Portmaster - Application Firewall by Safing

Portmaster is a free and open-source application that puts you back in charge over all your computer's network connections. Increase your privacy and security. Get peace of mind.

safing.io

 

[Kongo]

Windows Firewall with public profile and Firewall Hardening tool: FirewallHardening tool

 

[ForgottenSeer 103564]

How biased is @Bot , he/she didn't even ask which operating system as it does not state this in the title or OP.

Seriously though, learning windows firewall can be a bit much, but to be honest, most firewalls will be this way unless you run them at default settings. You will have the best compatibility with the built in firewall though.

 

[Ink]

How biased is @Bot , he/she didn't even ask which operating system as it does not state this in the title or OP.

As did everyone else. What are you recommendations for Linux, Mac and Android users?

I would exclude Norton from the list, as it's not a standalone firewall.

Windows

• Built-in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
• GUI for WFP-based firewall (TinyWall, WFC and others)
• Other custom firewalls with advanced features (IDS, HIPS, Sandbox)
• GlassWire - free and premium plans.

Android

• NetGuard - no-root Firewall
• TrackerControl - blocklist and Internet permissions
• and more

Mac

• LuLu - free and open-source firewall
• Little Snitch and Little Snitch Mini comparison
• and more

Pairing with a DNS-based solution may produce better or worse results.

Some solutions may be considered "unsafe" for those who are Anti-[Country]-based cybersecurity companies.

 

[ForgottenSeer 103564]

As did everyone else. What are you recommendations for Linux, Mac and Android users?

Ip tables or PF. Add Suricata on either for IDS/IPS.

 

[JustInTime]

My additions
Windows:

• Fort firewall
• Simplewall

Android:

• RethinkDNS (Both Firewall and DNS modules are separate)
• AFwall (Rooted)
• AdGuard Free also have fully functioning firewall and DNS Filtering

 

[ForgottenSeer 100397]

Android:

• AdGuard Free also have fully functioning firewall and DNS Filtering

Does the AdGuard free/pro firewall require manual action or offer an alert option?

 

[JustInTime]

Does the AdGuard free/pro firewall require manual action or offer an alert option?

Yes it does. Just go to to Adguard notification settings on android. There is an option for firewall notifications along with other things.

 

[flaubert1971]

In windows 11: Kaspersky Endpoint Security Firewall

In macOS Sonoma: Vallum Firewall + Murus Pro

In iOS 17 (iPhone): no firewall

 

[Nevi]

Hardware firewall from router. And Windows firewall with public profile. On Macbook I use router, and Macs firewall.

 

[ForgottenSeer 94738]

Router Firewall and Windows Firewall

 

[Ink]

In macOS Sonoma: Vallum Firewall + Murus Pro

In iOS 17 (iPhone): no firewall

I saw both of these yesterday, however, having never used either I decided against sharing them.

@flaubert1971 What's your experience from using Vallum and Murus? How easy is it to set-up compared to other Firewalls?

For those interested, here's a comparison between the two: Murus and Vallum Comparison

• Vallum is an application firewall
• Murus is a network firewall

Murus and Vallum are designed to cooperate. Murus groups can be managed directly from Vallum. Vallum is also able to issue custom PF rules or blacklist IP addresses at network level.
Both Murus and Vallum are part of the Murus Pro Bundle, starting from $35.

iOS does block Ad trackers which acts similar to a Firewall. However there are other Apps with a GUI to monitor, manage and block unwanted connections.

Lockdown Firewall for iOS

• Local VPN to monitor and block unwanted connections
• Open source and free

Guardian Firewall Pro for iOS

• Allows custom rules
• Expensive

 

[ErzCrz]

Depends on what configuration I'm trying out but I bounce between these:

Comodo Firewall (Beta) - @cruelsister 's tweaks
Windows Firewall Control - Malwarebytes
Windows Firewall - WindowsFirewallHardening @Andy Ful 's application

I like all three and Windows Firewall still runs with CF installed so I also use WFH on top for the recommended LOLbin blocks at the same time. Built-in apps will always start first before 3rd party and it takes MIcrosoft Security Centre usually a few minutes to recognize what 3rd party is installed so layering is the best approach as always

 

[Freki123]

Windows

• GlassWire - free and premium plans.

Afaik with the free edition you can only block two programs (in total). At least it was that the last time I checked.

 

[flaubert1971]

@Ink

My experience with Vallum and Murus is excellent.

Vallum works very well - I also have a lifetime license for Little Snitch but I don't use it - it has never given me a problem and it is simple to configure and use. Murus instead requires more attention: you need to practice a little before configuring it well. But it's not difficult.

 

[oldschool]

portmaster for me, im good for now

Portmaster - Application Firewall by Safing

Portmaster is a free and open-source application that puts you back in charge over all your computer's network connections. Increase your privacy and security. Get peace of mind.

safing.io

What's your experience with Portmaster? How do you use it? Default, tweaked, etc?

 

[I Walk MY Way]

Isp Router Firewall / Net-gear Firewall and Windows Firewall / Fort Firewall