TOP 10 Windows Apps for Firewall

Safeguard your network and secure your Internet traffic with firewall software. Monitor data flow, set access rules for applications, control incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, and block untrusted sources from entering your local network with these top digital barriers.

TinyWall

Designed to harden and control the advanced firewall built into Windows, TinyWall includes a combination of features that sets it apart from both commercial and freeware firewalls.

TinyWall does not display popups that "urge users to allow". In fact, it will not notify you of any blocked action. Rather than displaying popups, TinyWall allows users to whitelist or unblock programs via various methods. For example, you can just initiate whitelisting by a hotkey, then click on a window that you want to allow. Or, you can select an application from the list of running processes. (Of course, the traditional way of selecting an executable also works.)

This approach avoids popups but still keeps the firewall very easy to use. It will also limit the list of unblocked programs to those that the user really needs, which is optimal from a security standpoint. TinyWall gives Windows Firewall a sane and secure configuration and presents you with a simple interface where you can easily define what has network access and whatnot, while preventing other programs from modifying or overwriting your firewall settings.

Key features: - TinyWall lets you work while protecting you. There are no annoying popups but configuration is very simple. - Using the advanced Windows Firewall built into newer Windows versions, TinyWall's performance impact is negligible. - No drivers or kernel-components are installed so it does not influence system stability. - Automatic learning, blocklists, password lock, firewall tampering protection and built-in tight firewall rules help increase TinyWall's and your computer's security even further. - Firewall modes and lots of other convenience features make TinyWall extremely easy to use for anybody. - All packed into a download that is about a megabyte.

A firewall controller utility developed by Karoly Pados, TinyWall improves the operation of the default Windows firewall and effectively blocks Trojans, viruses, and worms. It's largely based on application whitelisting picked by its corresponding executable, process, or window.

Pros:

Robust: TinyWall does not install its own kernels but cleverly adds some very robust features and protection to your Windows firewall by initially blocking practically everything and then creating exceptions. Even after we deactivated it, it reactivated itself after a computer restart.

No pop-up messages: Taking a cue from the default Windows firewall, TinyWall does away with those extremely annoying diversions. Plus, you do not have to understand anything about DLL files, ports, or other technical details to use this app effectively.

Updates: For a utility developed by a single person, it is surprising to have updates, although admittedly cloud functionality is a much more immediate way to respond to new threats.

Cons:

Learning mode is not foolproof: When entering Autolearn mode you must be absolutely certain that your computer has no malware; otherwise it will unavoidably be whitelisted by the firewall and not detected at all. It kind of beats the logic of having protection in the first place.

Manual unblocking: We had to manually whitelist Firefox, Skype, and Dropbox. Even though this is done only once for every application, popular applications should be whitelisted by default.

TinyWall increases the control you have over the default Windows firewall and enhances its level of protection. It requires very limited user input and does away with all the irritating messages and pop-ups. We highly recommended this well-made app.

Anti NetCut 3

Anti NetCut 3 will work in the background and detect any attackers that trying to cut or sniff your data connection then it will display a warning message and start anti-spoofing technique to protect your network connection and protect your online privacy 100% guaranteed internet connection speed stay fast. Protect all your network connections including WI-FI in one place. Simple setup configuration required. No network knowledge is required. install /configure / run and forget about it. With this free little tool, now you can safely browse at free WI-FI internet anywhere.

PeerBlock Portable (64-bit)

PeerBlock lets you control who your computer "talks to" on the Internet. By selecting appropriate lists of "known bad" computers, you can block communication with advertising or spyware-oriented servers, computers monitoring your p2p activities, and computers which have been "hacked". They can't get into your computer, and your computer won't try to send them anything.

Kerio VPN Client (64-bit)

Kerio VPN Client (64-bit) is an UTM firewall designed to protect medium and small businesses from a comprehensive range of invasive and crippling corporate network threats. Kerio Control's auto-updating security layer detects and prevents emerging threats automatically while providing network administrators with flexible user policy tools, complete bandwidth management and QoS control, detailed network monitoring, and reliable VPNs. Kerio Control provides superior network protection and intelligence that is stable, secure, and simple to manage.

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall

ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall is the powerful first line of defense to block hackers and intruders from accessing your PC. Its award-winning firewall protection monitors programs for suspicious behavior stopping new attacks that bypass traditional antivirus. Its anti-phishing technology protects your valuable data from cyber criminals trying to steal your credentials. Web Secure Chrome extension to protect you against online threats. Proactively protects against inbound and outbound cyber attacks. Monitors for suspicious behaviors on your PC. Shields your operating system even during start-up.

Comodo Firewall

Comodo's free Firewall is your first layer of defense against viruses, worms, trojans, hackers and other internet threats. Comodo's Firewall uses Default Deny Protection to prevent threats from occurring, rather than just detecting them when it's already too late. With a single click you can allow or block access to the internet, offering complete immunity to attacks and total protection of your personal information. Comodo Firewall also features cloud based scanning and behavior analysis of unrecognized files - making Comodo Firewall unbeatable at detecting zero-day attacks. Under default settings, unknown and untrusted files are run in a virtual environment (sandbox) on your local machine so they cannot modify or affect data on your 'real' system. While sandboxed, the file undergoes behavior analysis on our cloud servers to test whether it is safe to run in the long-term. This ground-breaking method of protecting your PC means that only trusted applications are allowed to run. Malware and untrusted files get nowhere near anything important AND you get to use your computer without interruption from nagging alerts. The software also boasts a powerful packet filtering firewall that helps you securely connect to the internet while blocking hackers from making incoming connections. It's easy to use and features an attractive interface that lets even beginners change settings to their liking. Download it now and find out why prevention-based protection is the security technology of the future. Comodo Firewall is completely free for life.

If you're running a fairly recent edition of Windows, you're probably also using the built-in Windows Firewall. It does a good job, but there's no reason not to take advantage of much more capable (yet just as free) firewalls, especially when they're easier to use and come with significant extras. Take Comodo Firewall: This full-featured, multilayer firewall application uses cloud-based data to analyze new programs and data to prevent attacks, including zero-day attacks. It protects your system from viruses, Trojans, worms, hacker attacks, and other threats. Extras include a Geek Buddy subscription, the SecureDNS network, and a speedy, secure Web browser, Comodo Dragon.

Comodo Firewall's setup includes three network locations, with appropriate security levels for each: Home, Work, and Public. We chose Home. Comodo Firewall's operation is very much like other firewalls we've tried: the first time you use a program or access a Web site with the firewall running, you need to enable it in a pop-up that remembers your choice unless you tell it otherwise. The firewall's system tray icon accesses a menu that let us configure the Firewall and Defense & Security levels, and also its Sandbox feature and Game Mode.

Setup required a reboot, as did some settings, such as the Proactive Security Configuration. A simple, colorful interface gave us quick access to the two main components, the Firewall and Defense+ features. In daily use, Comodo Firewall is every bit as unobtrusive and easy to manage as the most popular free standalone firewalls for Windows, and just as flexible. It also includes lots of help options, such as the Geek Buddy feature and online forums and documentation.

We also like Dragon, which we updated shortly after installing it. Dragon automatically imported favorites, history, passwords, and other data we specified from our default browser (Chrome) including our bookmarks toolbar (thanks). Dragon is Chrome's cousin; it's based on the Chromium engine. Dragon is great for trying SecureDNS without altering your network settings. The SecureDNS network offers various security features, and it didn't slow down our browsing. Comodo Firewall is a top contender among free firewall applications.

Firewall Client for ISA Server

Firewall Client for ISA Server can be optionally installed on client computers protected by Microsoft ISA Server. Firewall Client for ISA Server provides enhanced security, application support, and access control for client computers. Firewall Client for ISA Server provides authentication for Winsock applications that use TCP and UDP, supports complex secondary protocols, and supplies user and application information to the ISA Server logs.

Firewall Client sends user information transparently with each request, enabling you to create a firewall policy on the ISA Server computer with rules that use the authentication credentials presented by the client. ISA Server allows you to configure automatic discovery for Firewall client computers, using a WPAD entry in DNS or DHCP to obtain correct Web proxy settings for clients, depending on their location. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.

PeerBlock

PeerBlock lets you control who your computer "talks to" on the Internet. By selecting appropriate lists of "known bad" computers, you can block communication with advertising or spyware-oriented servers, computers monitoring your p2p activities, computers that have been "hacked", even entire countries. They can't get into your computer, and your computer won't try to send them anything either.

PeerBlock is an advanced IP blocking utility. In plain words, it lets you control how your PC interacts with other computers over the Internet, letting you block servers and sites known to be troublesome or even dangerous. It lets you choose what to block, and you can also import or create your own lists. PeerBlock is open-source freeware maintained by the PeerBlock project.

When you first run PeerBlock, a wizard helps you set up its options, though you can change them later. These include what you want to block; by default, PeerBlock blocks anti-P2P organizations, ads, spyware, and educational institutions and universities. There's also a checkbox labeled Always Allow HTTP. This option always enables connections over ports 80 and 443 of your PC, even if they're on your blocklist. These two ports are usually for Web browsing, but other programs access them, too. If you're starting to feel your head spin, don't worry! Each step includes a paragraph-long Recommendation explaining your options. If you need more help, the online User Guide and other documentation have it. But we quickly set up PeerBlock's update scheduler and other options and clicked Finish. PeerBlock immediately downloaded an updated list of known threats and troublemakers, displaying the data in the program's simple interface. While PeerBlock's face is one only a developer could love, we appreciate its logical layout and efficient control suite. PeerBlock's interface has two tabs, Protection and Settings, with the Settings tab stretching over two pages. Right-clicking PeerBlock's system tray icon opens its main console; left-clicking it opens a context menu with instant access to Enable and Disable controls, allow HTTP options, basic but useful controls like always on top, and support. If we changed our blocked list, PeerBlock automatically updated its settings and downloaded the latest correct definitions.

Of course, most of the time you won't be aware that PeerBlock is doing its thing, but if you need convincing, just activate it and browse to some perfectly ordinary sites, like major media sites. Then simply check PeerBlock's log view to watch servers trying to slip ads under your eyes. Highly recommended.

GlassWire

You'll be shocked by how many applications on your computer are sending your private data over the Internet without you knowing. GlassWire's free firewall and network monitor help protect your privacy & security by monitoring your network activity for suspicious activity. Once suspicious activity is detected you can block the potential threat with GlassWire's built-in firewall management tool.

GlassWire visualizes all your network activity on an easy-to-use graph. Click anywhere on the graph to see what applications and hosts are accessing the network from your computer. Our software automatically resolves host names so it's easy to see who or what your computer is communicating with over the Internet. Go to the Firewall tab to see what applications have accessed the Internet and block any that are suspicious, violating your privacy, or wasting your bandwidth. GlassWire uses Windows built-in firewall so no instability is introduced into your system by third-party firewall drivers.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2018 protects your PC with the world's best firewall solution. Our personal firewall manages and monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and shields you from hackers, malware and other online threats that put your privacy at risk.

Block unwanted traffic. Become invisible to hackers. Control program access to the internet. Guard your personal data.

Key features: Personal Firewall. We monitor programs for suspicious behaviors while spotting and stopping internet attacks. Our firewall protects you from malicious programs and allows you to make yourself invisible to hackers by using Full Stealth Mode. Identity Protection Services. We assist in preventing identity theft by guarding your personal data from hackers. We provide you with daily credit monitoring, in addition to providing you with victim recovery assistance (the US only).