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Linux is the most secure operating system.
This is because it offers a configurable in-built firewall.
However, it is not beginner-friendly, pushing new users to look for other, more user-friendly Linux firewalls.
In this article, well list the best Linux firewalls that can help you stay protected.
What is a Firewall?
It does it by monitoring all the incoming and outgoing traffic.
Firewalls are highly customizable, allowing you to define security rules.
Linux kernel comes with theNetfiltersubsystem that protects the system from an unprotected connection.
However, it is not accessible and requires a lot of technical knowledge to use.
You also haveiptablesthat identify packages so that rules can be applied to them.
Unauthorized access to any system, including Linux, is not ideal.
After all, the malicious actor can hamper and compromise the system and connected devices integrity and security.
For example, the actor can alter the boot sectors preventing the system from booting properly.
To protect Linux systems, you need many security systems, including firewalls and antivirus solutions.
Your Linux systems already come pre-equipped with firewalls.
However, using them can be challenging as it requires technical knowledge.
Moreover, these in-build firewalls also have limited capabilities.
Thats where these standalone firewalls for Linux come in.
IPFire
IPFireis an easy-to-use, feature-rich Linux-based stateful firewall distro.
It is also free to use as it falls under the open-source firewall category.
This makes it a trustable standalone firewall that enables Linux users to harden their operating system security.
IPFire is a unique distro offering one of the best firewall engines and Intrusion Prevention Systems.
Moreover, businesses can use the available Intrusion Detection System to protect cloud servers.
Also, to make remote access secure, it comes with VPN support.
Key Features:
Smoothwall Express
Smoothwall Expressis an open-source, free firewall.
Its development started in 2000, making it a two-decade-old firewall.
It aimed to allow new home users to set up Linux security.
And thats why it is simple to install, set up and use.
In addition to the Smoothwall open-source edition, they offer a commercial offering.
The Smoothwall Express was last updated in 2014.
However, this doesnt makes it an outdated firewall.
By using it, organizations can ensure that their data pipe is always secure.
However, Nebero is not free.
It offers access to five variants: Enterprise, Premium, Standard, SOHO, and Basic.
Each one provides a different feature set, and you should check out theirpricing pageto understand the difference.
All these plans come with free upgrades and support for the first year.
Additionally, companies get unlimited user licenses on all plans.
Nerbora also offers add-ons, including DMZ, Virtual Appliance, Wi-Fi security, etc.
you might try out Nebero by requesting a demo and then going for any paid options.
OPNSense
OPNSenseis a feature-rich firewall solution that lets you secure your business web link.
It comes in free and paid options and is based on FreeBSD distribution.
Moreover, it evolved from two top-tier open-source projects: pfSense and m0n0wall.
It offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for users.
Unlike SmoothWall Express, OPNSense is actively developed and has seen over 190 releases.
However, it may be more challenging to use due to its complicated configuration process.
As OPNSense is based on PfSense, youll find a lot of similarities.
For example, PfSense uses FreeBSD under the hood.
Overall, PfSense can work at par with commercial firewalls.
Additionally, PfSense rich history means that it also houses excellent documentation.
Smoothwall Firewall
Smoothwall Firewallis a complete all-in-one protection package for colleges, schools, and MATs.
It is the commercial take on Smoothwall Express we discussed above.
However, unlike its free and open-source version, the Education edition is constantly updated and supported.
At its core, you get the next-generation firewall that combines stateful package inspection with Layer 7 system control.
Apart from that, you also get a real-time dynamic filter and top-tier Intrusion Detection and Prevention system.
So, why would you choose Smoothwall Firewall over Smoothwall Express?
Well, it depends on your requirement.
Smoothwall Firewall is UK-based and works in tandem with UK legislation and requirement.
All of these make it an excellent pick for UK-based education organizations.
you’re able to book a demo or get a quote before buying it for your organization.
It is also lightweight and can fit into resource-intensive environments.
It supports various platforms, including Ubuntu, Debian, FreeBSD, and others.
you could start with Zenarmors free edition for open-source platforms.
Apart from that, it also offers HOME, SOHO, and Business editions.
Shorewall
Shorewall(also known as Shoreline Firewall) is a Netfilter configuration tool for GNU/Linux.
It offers a high level of control free of cost.
Therefore, it is most appropriate in environments where administrators must create and manage web connection installations.
With Shorewall, you might create zones and their respective restrictions easily.
Configserver
Configserveris a stateful package inspection(SPI) firewall.
It includes configuring SPI iptables, dynamic DNS IP address, daemon process for login authentication failures, etc.
Vuurmuur
Vuurmuuris an iptables-based firewall for Linux.
It enables users to configure firewalls easily while offering space for complex configurations for advanced users.
Vuurmuur offers an intuitive Ncurses GUI that also supports remote SSH administration.
It also provides powerful monitoring features, such as logs and bandwidth usage, all in real-time.
Conclusion
Linux is a robust operating system.
However, its in-built firewall capabilities are not for everyone.
Theyre complex to use and dont offer features required in a commercial setup.
You may also explore some bestopen-source firewallsto protect your connection.
