Best Firewall Software
Firewalls are barriers used to secure networks from hackers, malware, and other attackers. Firewalls come in both hardware and software form, but all types provide fortified security between networks and outside threats. IT managers configure firewalls to specific system requirements, ensuring no data is vulnerable. Once implemented, they will monitor firewall tools to ensure security.
Smaller companies and personal computers will rarely require hardware firewalls, but large enterprise companies will use hardware firewalls within their own systems to limit access outside the company or between departments. The best firewall products will have significant overlap with network security software and web security software products, as they all aim to secure systems and information. Some products may come equipped with vulnerability management software tools to detect and defeat threats.
To qualify for inclusion in the Firewall category, a product must:
Best Firewall Software At A Glance
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Sophos Firewall provides comprehensive next-generation firewall protection powered by deep learning and Synchronized Security. Offering unmatched insights, Firewall exposes hidden user, application, a
36,744 Twitter followers
Strengthen Your Security with Check Point Gateways and Firewalls Check Point Hybrid Mesh Network Security is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to protect networks from sophisticated
Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) is a network security solution that combines advanced threat prevention, application control, and deep packet inspection in a single, unified platform. Users frequently mention the product's robust security features, high performance, and the convenience of its centralized management console, SmartConsole, which simplifies policy configuration and monitoring. Reviewers mentioned the high initial cost, complexity of the licensing model, steep learning curve for new administrators, and occasional slow performance in the management console as drawbacks.
71,007 Twitter followers
FortiGate-VM is a virtual firewall solution designed to help users secure their cloud environments and on-premises networks. As a next-generation firewall developed by Fortinet, FortiGate-VM integrate
151,488 Twitter followers
Our next-generation firewall classifies all traffic, including encrypted traffic, based on application, application function, user and content. You can create comprehensive, precise security policies,
128,289 Twitter followers
Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW is a fully managed, cloud-native firewall service designed to enhance security, streamline operations, and provide seamless scalability across various cloud environments,
128,289 Twitter followers
Palo Alto Networks' VM-Series Virtual Firewall is the industry’s leading cloud security software, delivering the world’s most effective network security to any cloud or virtualized environment. It is
128,289 Twitter followers
CloudGuard Network Security is a comprehensive cloud security solution designed to protect public, private, and hybrid cloud environments from a wide array of cyber threats. This platform focuses on d
71,007 Twitter followers
Azure Firewall automatically scales with your usage during peak load or as your business grows, eliminating the need to predict and reserve capacity for peak usage.
13,090,136 Twitter followers
Zscaler Internet Access™ (ZIA) is the world’s leading cloud-native secure access solution that protects users, devices, and data by securing all internet traffic, regardless of location. Leveragin
Zscaler Internet Access is a cloud-based security solution that provides users with secure internet access and helps protect against threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts. Users like the cloud-native security model, zero-trust architecture, and the ability to access the internet securely from anywhere without relying on traditional on-premise hardware. Users mentioned that the initial setup and policy configuration can be complex for new administrators, and there can be minor latency depending on user location and traffic routing.
17,410 Twitter followers
NG Firewall simplifies network security with a single, modular, software platform that provides a browser-based, responsive and intuitive interface enabling you to quickly gain visibility into the tra
2,451 Twitter followers
For over 20 years, WatchGuard has pioneered cutting-edge cyber security technology and delivered it as easy-to-deploy and easy-to-manage solutions. Our unique approach to network security focuses on b
19,492 Twitter followers
Cloudflare One is a single-vendor secure access service edge (SASE) platform that converges security and networking services into a unified, global connectivity cloud. It replaces legacy, fragmented h
272,857 Twitter followers
Barracuda's Cloud Generation Firewalls redefine the role of the Firewall from a perimeter security solution to a distributed network optimization solution that scales across any number of locations an
15,253 Twitter followers
NordLayer is a toggle-ready network security platform that helps businesses connect, protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats. Built on NordVPN standards, it ensures a secure and reliable connect
9,520 Twitter followers
pfSense® Plus software is the world’s most trusted firewall. The software has garnered the respect and adoration of users worldwide - installed well over three million times. Made possible by open sou
8,709 Twitter followers
Learn More About Firewall Software
What is Firewall Software?
Firewalls are a key aspect of network security. Firewall solutions are implemented to dictate incoming and outgoing network traffic using a mix of security rules created by the network administration team. By setting restrictions like access authorization and allowed/blocked websites, businesses create a barrier between their own protected network and untrusted external servers and sites.
Firewalls can vary greatly in their complexity, but their overall purpose remains the same. Small businesses implement simpler solutions due to a smaller scope of protection and less overall data needing to be protected. In contrast, enterprise firewalls are typically extensive, with complex rule sets to protect hundreds of devices and huge quantities of data.
Key Benefits of Firewall Software
- Protection at network and endpoint levels
- Improved data security
- Event reporting and analysis
Why Use Firewall Software?
Firewalls are a core aspect of network security. In many ways the gatekeepers of network traffic, firewalls help prevent unwanted visitors into your network and also can prevent in-network users from accessing potentially dangerous websites or servers. Regardless of the size of a business, firewall software is an important step in protecting a business’ data and any devices on the network. As the digital age continues to evolve, the importance of using a firewall solution will grow significantly.
Who Uses Firewall Software?
Digital security teams are a company’s main users of firewall solutions. Particularly, network administrators will have the greatest control and use, since firewalls are, by design, targeted towards securing networks from undesired intrusions. Network management and network security usually take specific training, experience, and certification. This is what limits who has access to firewall software in a business setting.
Kinds of Firewall Software
Firewall software can be built for a variety of deployment options, each suited to a different need.
Hardware — Most options on this site will not provide hardware security as their main functionality (aside from securing individual endpoints), but some firewall solutions will have this functionality available as an offering.
Endpoints and Software — Endpoint and software firewalls will protect user devices and applications from malware and hackers. These are some of the most common firewalls available. Some of these tools will include a cloud firewall, but most cloud-focused tools can be found in our cloud security software category.
Virtual — Virtualized environments will be a little trickier since there are many variations and factors, but many firewall solutions can adapt to a range of virtualized environments. Some may focus directly on virtualized environments due to their more specialized needs for protection.
Firewall Software Features
Access Control — Firewall solutions act as the gatekeeper for network access to users and the internet. Access and authentication rules only allow authorized users to enter the network, and from there, they are restricted to whatever servers and websites are not filtered out.
Custom Restriction — With firewall software, network admins have the ability to dictate what websites and servers users on the network are allowed to access. This can be set strictly to block non-business-related websites, but it can also be used to block servers or IP addresses of known or potential threats.
Alerting — If an unauthorized access attempt occurs, firewall solutions will send an alert to network admins detailing the breach. This can help network admins understand potential threat sources, as well as who within a network may be trying to access sources they should not be.
Automation — Part of the benefit of firewall software is the ability to automate some of the more menial tasks of network administration. Firewall solutions can automate monitoring tasks and rule-testing, leaving time for administrators to focus on more pressing network issues and tasks.
Reporting — Reporting can be an incredibly helpful component to a company’s security practices. Some tools will document all kinds of historical data, from logins and access points to penetration attempts and security failures, but others provide little documentation for a network’s security history. If a business has a dedicated security staff, consider getting the tightest security for sensitive data, and invest in a solution with in-depth reporting features that provide insight on vulnerability points, event outcomes, and unapproved access attempts.
Additional Firewall Software Features
Integration Capabilities — Check prospective products’ integrations lists to see how they match up with your company’s existing IT strategy and software. Various integrations and plugins can provide a vast array of needed functions, from device support and content filtering to data integration and dashboards. Other tools may help security staff build custom dashboards to improve monitoring and reporting. Content filtering is another integration that can prevent users from accessing unapproved websites or visiting dangerous links hidden in emails.
Potential Issues with Firewall Software
Range of Devices — This era has made the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) practice incredibly popular for businesses of all sizes. The range of laptops, tablets, phones, and other smart devices raises a number of vulnerability concerns. When looking into firewall solutions, be sure they support the range of devices used. If there are a few missing, consider enforcing stricter BYOD guidelines to allow only approved devices. If a company doesn’t practice BYOD, be sure the devices distributed to employees are supported by any potential firewall solutions.
Over-Restriction — Firewall solutions allow network administrators to set as strict or relaxed policies as a business would need. But tightening the reins with firewall solutions, while more secure, can also potentially inhibit the ability to perform certain business needs by shutting off access to certain servers or web domains. Be sure that, when implementing a firewall, restrictions do not become inhibitors of productivity.
Outdated Security Measures — Port-based rules built on firewalls are becoming particularly difficult to enforce in the digital age. Applications and traffic now use SSL or default to any open port to make connections, which makes older port-based rules futile. When implementing firewall solutions, consider taking a more broad approach to security rules and not constructing as many rules focused on specific port traffic.
