Windows systems seems to suffer endless security issues that online villains are expert to exploit. Even though having a great and effective built-in firewall, Windows PC needs protection from online threats in addition to block viruses, trojans, rootkits and hackers from breaking into the system.
Therefore, a need for setting Firewall is vital as a security measure to protect systems and other network devices from any attack. So, further discussing the 10 best windows firewall software. Here you need to know what a Firewall is and its requirement.
What is a Firewall and Why we need it?
Firewall as an allusion can be referred to as a physical fire barrier that protects from any damage. In technical terms, Firewall is treated as a virtual barrier that shields from internal or external cyberattack that may harm the computer. Firewall is a security system that checks unauthorized or unlicensed access to or from a private network.
In order to obstruct attack, the software package is installed in a PC to protect entire network from hackers.
Having a dedicated Firewall Software helps in mitigating the following circumstances:
- It will control applications & programs that might share your data, which are not authorized to collect or transfer your information.
- It will create a barrier between you and hackers so that they do not harm you or your system.
- It functions as a filtering machine that scans the data and sieves out the infectious data from entering into your computer.
Best Firewall Software For Windows 10 and Older Versions
Firewall Software monitors online activities and blocks all the potential intrusions and attacks. Finding the suitable one among plethora of products can be quite thwarting. So, we provide you with a list of the best firewall software you can install right away.’
1. GlassWire
GlassWire proactively protects from all the incoming and outcoming online attacks. The moment you install this firewall software windows it shields your operating system. Unlike other software, rather than bother users every single time anything comes up, GlassWire blocks it instantly.
Features:
- Discreet Alerts- Warns users about network related changes
- Monitor other PC’s on your network, and informs if any unknown devices connect to your Wi-Fi
- Tracks data usage
- Visual Network Monitoring- to identify past and present network activities through graphs
- Toolbox of network checks
- Wi-Fi Evil Twin Detection- get alert notifications when the app founds new Wi-Fi hardware nearby with same network name
- Lock Down Mode
- Features Mini Graph, so that you do not have to launch the app every time you want to observe system’s health
This Windows 10 Firewall comes with exciting number of features that are quite useful for users who are genuinely concerned about their safety and privacy. Totally a must-have app for your Windows PC.
2. ZoneAlarm
The first software on our list has been around for ages, ZonelAlarm protects your PC from every sort of cyberattacks including identity theft, malware, viruses, phishing attacks, spyware, ransomware etc.
Features:
- Actually, a firewall with antivirus program
- Customizable Interface
- Scans both inbound & outbound connections
- Protects apps & other software from getting any infection
- Blocks unwanted traffic from entering into your network
- Free firewall software, Light as feather on system resources
- Provides daily credit monitoring, to provide victim recovery assistance (feature available in US only)
- Comes with Online backup, if any loss or accidental deletion happens
- Comes with multiple layers of securities:
– Public Network Protection
– Wireless Network Protection
– Real-Time Security Updates
Trusted by over 100 Million users worldwide, making ZoneAlarm the number one firewall software for windows 10.
3. TinyWall
The highly recommended firewall software for windows 10 users that will protect from almost every online threat. The software stealth your computer’s ports against hackers and blocks infectious programs that might transmit your precious data over the Internet.
Features:
- Displays no pop-up ads
- Powerful scanning option for both inbound & outbound connections
- Customizable options to alter protection from attacks
- Comes with Wi-Fi protection
- Real-Time alerts, if anything wrong comes up
- Instant firewall configuration, therefore great for beginners
- Comes with protection of host file
- Dedicated LAN controlling options
- Has whitelist, add websites which are safe to access
As the name suggests Tiny, the software also takes up about 1MB of space on your hard drive. The app integrates use of hotkeys, so if you just want to approve an app for access- simply press the hotkey combination & click on app’s windows.
4. Comodo Firewall
Talking about best free windows firewall and missing Comodo Firewall in the list will be truly unfair. The way the software allows users to easily add programs to blocklist makes it all the easier-to-use application.
Features:
- Offers an AD Blocker
- Custom DNS Servers
- Features virtual Kiosk, to easily block any program from entering or leaving the network
- Also provides very specific & advanced settings for utmost ease
- Offers a Rating Scan option, that lets you identify how much a program or process is trustworthy
- Compatible with Windows 10, 8 and 7
- Has easy sandboxing to stop malware in its track
- Gives users ability to control permissions for different networks and programs
- Timely alerts about any suspicious files/folders or programs
Before getting started with this firewall software for windows 10, remember Comodo Firewall will change you default homepage and search engine. If want everything to be same at the first place, you have to deselect the option during the initial setup.
Install Comodo Firewall!
5. NetDefender
NetDefender is another best free firewall software with loads of features. The most basic of all the software, NetDefender feature simple options and settings that are easy and convenient to use.
Features:
- User-friendly and simple interface
- Perfect for novices
- No annoying pop-ups
- Not only blocks incoming traffic, but also block apps from connecting to the network
- Allows you to block FTP connections and other protocols used on the network
- Includes Port scanner
- Easy Setup
- Create/Edit/Delete rules, to allow or deny access to specified IP Address.
- Protects your PC against spoofing ARP and other forms of connection manipulation
This Windows 10 Firewall reveals all your system’s activity so that you can easily monitor what your computer is doing in the background. It also displays all the current and past servers your PC was connected to, so that you can examine what potential threats are and even block them if required.
Install NetDefender!
6. OpenDNS
OpenDNS is quite a robust windows 10 firewall. Comes with advanced security measures that keeps close eye on threats that try to sneak through social networking sites.
Features:
- Simple and Straightforward Interface
- Non-intrusive
- Automatically blocks non-trusted content
- A lot of filtration options
- Excellent controlling options over Internet
- An easy way to change the way your router handles traffic
- Excellent control over how you want your Internet to behave
- Have 90 Million global users
- An award-winning firewall software windows
OpenDNS is an accurate protection against cyber-attacks. An all-in-one solution including Antivirus, Anti-theft, and much more.
Download OpenDNS!
7. PeerBlock
An application that does it all, PeerBlock offers highest levels of security against all inbound and outbound threats. This free firewall software instantly blocks communication with threatful advertisements, spywares etc.
Features:
- Defends against unwanted traffic from user-specific IP Addresses
- Light on system resources
- Easy to set up, just at the time of installation it asks about the website, programs and ports you want to block
- Best for people who shares lots of files & documents on daily basis
- You can make your own blocklist
- You can also view and clear history, logs and other notifications for effective running
- Great platform for those who are not very much familiar with computers, as it does not require advanced knowledge to use it.
PeerBlock gives you peace from every virtual danger. Unlike other firewall software for windows 10 mentioned in the list, PeerBlock starts working as soon as installed.
Download PeerBlock!
8. Outpost Firewall Pro
Outpost Firewall is fairly decent software, which lets you control who your PC talks to on the Internet. The firewall works to add multiple layers of security to your computer without affecting PC’s performance.
Features:
- Simple yet effective interface
- Comes with System & App Guard
- Comes with File/Folder Locker
- Program Activity Tracker, to review system modification in real-time to know which app misbehaves
- Set restrictions on programs you install, to customize the security level
- Comes with four customizable security layers
- Multilingual
- Not very heavy on system resources, just 16.63 MB file size
- Ensures wired & wireless networks are secured against eavesdropping
This windows firewall program provides all the components needed to secure, protect, monitor connections, adjust security level and control system status according to the user’s needs and requirements.
Download Outpost Firewall Pro!
9. Evorim Free Firewall
Evorim Free Firewall software is another simple yet effective tool to fight against every type of danger that your PC might face. This full-features professional firewall has gained millions of followers in the years and set its position in top 10 best free windows firewall software.
Features:
- Helps in regulating Internet traffic
- Access Notification, you’ll get instant message if any non-regulated program accesses your Internet
- Paranoid Mode, if switched to this mode no software would be able to access on network without your prior consent
- Credulous Mode, if you are someone who has no fear of leaking their privacy
- Cooperative Mode, if you want to operate this firewall In parallel with other firewalls, for value added features
- Touch friendly, UI is optimized for touch sensitive device
- Prevent Telemetry
- Multilingual
- Detects Viruses/Malware/Spyware and other threats
This specialized third-party security solution allows you to control the access to & from the PC. Therefore, full protection for your System.
Install Evorim Free Firewall!
10. AVS Firewall
Last on our list but not in our consideration, AVS Firewall not only protects from internal and external connections. But it also shields after all the infectious registry changes, flash banners, pop-up windows and malicious advertisements.
Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Features Parent Control, that allow you to block explicit list of websites
- Blocks unwanted AD banners
- Compatible with Windows 8,7, Vista and XP
- Also features ‘AVS Registry Cleaner’ to download, at the time of setup
- System requirements aren’t very high, even gets compatible with older PCs
- Free firewall software & Light as feather on system resources
- Control Internet traffic, when you have limited Internet access
Allowing and disallowing of IP Addresses, programs couldn’t be easier than ever before. The software features a list containing malicious IP Addresses, ports and programs which can be harmful for your PC. Either you can browse through the list and block/unblock accordingly, or you can search for the URL and add in the list.
Install AVS Firewall!
Frequently Asked Questions: Basics You Should Know About Firewall Security!
1. How Does Firewall Protect Systems From Bad Guys?
At their most basic, Firewall programs work like a filter between your PC/Network and the Internet. A Firewall simply examines the electronic data coming in our out of a network & compares it to the predefined rules it has been allotted. If the data matches the set of rules, it allows passing. If it doesn’t, it gets blocked. A sophisticated firewall is capable of blocking suspicious addresses, malicious sites & prevents unauthorized access.
2. Can Firewall Be Hacked?
Though the case is rarest of all, cyber criminals can bypass the Firewall if it’s not properly tuned. A misconfigured or inappropriately maintained firewall can easily be hacked & compromise your system. For example: If your PC has vulnerabilities in the form of apps and programs, cyber criminals can enter into your system. All they are required to do is convince you to click on a conceded link or visit an infected website.
3. What Makes A Firewall An Ideal Software To Protect A Private Network?
Basically, a good Firewall software keeps your computer safe from prying eyes. But that’s not enough;there are certain other functionalities that an ideal Firewall Software should possess:
- Strong Threat Protection
Choose a reliable Firewall solution that is up-to-date & able to deal with emerging tactics used by hackers.
- Offers Full Control Overs Each Program
An effective Firewall Software should be able to apply policies to individual users that allows & blocks particular apps based on needs, without compromising security.
- Real-Time Updates & Reporting
An ideal Firewall Solution is the one that gives real-time alerts on any attacks in progress. This would help users to react to the scenario more effectively & take necessary actions.
- Streamlined Security Infrastructure
A reliable Firewall program should have the essential security infrastructure components, including Anti-Virus Protection, Spam Filtering, Deep Packet Inspection & App Filtering.
- Pricing
Last but not least, cost is a factor to consider when choosing the right Firewall software. It should not only fit your budget but also balance the investment against the potential cost of doing nothing.
With malicious attacks being the major cause of data breaches these days, the value of the Firewall Program is obvious. The estimated cost of a data breach is $150 per record stolen, FYI!
Closing Words
Though Firewall software are the first line of defense against all online threats. Even they come with capabilities that your Antivirus may miss.
But remember that these firewall programs cannot be taken as an ultimate solution for your protection. As users have to remain very careful while browsing Internet and also follow good security habits to not fall in the vicious loop of cyberattacks.