We live in a digital world where security and privacy are fundamental features to be kept in mind in order to prevent unauthorized users from accessing our computers. To handle this problem, the most commonly used operating systems such as Windows, Linux, MacOS, etc. come up with built-in firewalls but they are difficult to configure and manage. So we use standalone firewalls.
This article further discusses the standalone firewalls.
What is a Firewall?
In terms of computing, a firewall is a security system that detects and handles network traffic. It serves as a barrier between trusted and doubtful networks. A firewall could be hardware, software, cloud, etc. The main purpose of a firewall is the protection of our PC and network security.
Top 10 Linux Firewall Solutions in 2023
There are many Linux-based firewalls available in the market but the top 10 best and most commonly used Linux firewalls in 2023 are discussed below:
- IPFire
- OPNsense
- pfSense
- Smoothwall Express
- Nebero
- Zenarmor
- Shorewall
- ConfigServer
- Vuurmuur
- ClearOS
IPFire
IPFire is an open-source firewall which is convenient and rich in features. It tightens the security of Linux users. Key features of IPFire are listed below:
- It provides an intrusion detection system.
- It provides advanced protection features against different types of malware attacks such as ransomware, spyware, bots etc
- It has a nice-looking web interface.
- It is updated automatically and stops attacks and security threats.
To download IPFire, simply go to the official website of IPFire and click on the “Download” button as demonstrated below:
OPNsense
OPNsense is an easy-to-use and feature-enhanced firewall solution. There are both free and premium versions available. The paid version provides more than 90 plugins exclusively. Important features of OPNsense are listed below:
- It provides a firewall that is compatible with IPv6(Internet Protocol Version 6) and IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) connections.
- It provides both IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) and IDS(Intrusion Detection System).
- It offers security methods such as Two Factor Authentication (2FA), web filtering, etc
- It comes up with excellent online documentation.
To download OPNsense, navigate to OPNsense and click on the “Download” Button as shown below:
pfSense
pfSense is a powerful Linux firewall with a clear interface and exceptional documentation. However, it’s a bit complicated to use because of its configuration. Some important attributes of pfSense are:
- pfSense provides real-time information.
- It provides a broad variety of hardware.
- It comes up with an outstanding and easy-to-use interface.
- Provides many features such as wireless configuration, load balancing, etc
To download, go to the official website of pfSense and click on the “Download” button demonstrated in the snapshot below:
Smoothwall Express
Smoothwall Express is a simple, open-source, and easy-to-use firewall. Major features of this firewall are illustrated below:
- It provides a clean GNU/Linux firewall.
- It supports a wide variety of detectable network devices.
- It runs efficiently on low-priced hardware devices.
- It works with different Internet Service Providers across the world.
To download, visit the Smoothwall Express website and click on the “Download Now” button as shown in the snapshot below:
Nebero
Nebero is an open-source Linux firewall. However, Nebero is not free. It comes up with a premium package that offers unlimited user access, free upgrades, etc. Some key features of Neberto are
- Nebero provides scalability and flexibility features.
- It provides protection against dangerous attacks such as spyware, Trojan horses, etc
- It comes up with Bandwidth management for better network achievement.
- It provides secure connectivity through a VPN.
To download navigate to the Nebero website and click on “14-Day free trial” to download and get started:
Zenarmor
Zenarmor is an open-source Linux firewall that provides excellent network security. Zenarmor comes with a free as well as a paid premium version. Some features of Zenarmor are listed below:
- It helps servers to protect against unauthorized access.
- Integrates with cloud management to supervise firewalls.
- It enhances network visibility with the help of efficient data analysis.
- You can find it on many platforms such as Ubuntu, Debian, etc.
In order to install it, go to the official Zenarmor Website and click on “Get Started For Free” as shown below:
Shorewall
Shorewall is also known as Shoreline firewall. It is an open-source tool for Linux built upon the Netfilter System. It is freely available for use. Shorewall makes configuration easy. The salient features of Shorewall are given below:
- It provides MAC (Media Access Control) verification.
- It gives multi-functionality as a gateway, router, and server.
- It provides a VPN to enhance network security.
- It blocks unauthorized IP addresses.
To download, visit the Official Shorewall Website and click on “Download” shown in the snapshot below:
ConfigServer
ConfigServer is also known as (SIF) Stateful Package Inspection firewall. It supports a number of Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc. Key features are listed below:
- It provides IPS( Intrusion Protection System )
- It provides a set of scripts that is useful for configuration such as login authentication, Dynamic DNS, etc.
- It offers port examining and port blocking.
To download, go to the official website of ConfigServer and select the package of your own choice as shown below:
Vuurmuur
Vuurmuur is an outstanding firewall manager based on Linux. It is simple and easy to use. The fundamental features of Vuurmuur are shown below:
- It can be easily configured through Ncurses GUI and SSH.
- Due to its powerful features, users can see connections and bandwidth storage in real time.
- It provides real-time log and connection viewing.
- It offers a wide variety of features such as anti-spoofing and audit logging etc.
To download Vuurmuur, go to the official website and click on the “Download” button to proceed further:
ClearOS
ClearOS commonly known as ClearOS System is a Linux distribution. Some important features of ClearOS are listed below:
- It supports both (Intrusion Detection System) and (Intrusion Prevention System).
- It provides e-mail services such as Webmail, Postfix, etc
- It provides built-in documentation.
- It supports multiWAN which means it can be connected to Multiple Wide Area Networks and Internet Service Providers.
To download, visit ClearOS website and click on the “Download ClearOS” button.
That’s all about the top 10 firewall solutions in 2023.
Conclusion
A firewall is a security system that handles and detects network traffic. Linux firewalls provide dozens of advanced features and are easy to set up and configure as well. We have demonstrated key features of all the Linux firewall solutions. This write-up has covered all the top 10 Linux Firewall solutions in 2023.
