When we talk about Firewalls for network security, we discuss the various tools that help protect a computer system from cyberattacks and act as a shield to confront servers and IT resources. The firewalls come in a software or a hardware form that must be installed on a server.
Most of the Firewalls available in the market either fails to give complete security or are extremely expensive to afford. In such situations, you may need an open-source Firewall that is entirely free to use and can also be customized as per your choice.
Many of you may get confused with the wide range of open-source firewalls available online. So, for your convenience, we have made a list of the best open-source firewalls that can compete with most of the paid variants available in the market.
Best Open Source Firewall to Protect Your Enterprise Network
- PfSense
- OPNSense
- Untangle Firewall
- Clear OS
- IPFire
- IPCop
- Shorewall
- Endian
- Smoothwall Express
- VyOS
1. PfSense
This is a firewall built on the modern technology named FreeBSD. You can use it for both individual and enterprise works. In addition, the open-source Firewall offers a wide range of security functions that will help you stay protected from cyber-attacks.
You can install PF Sense locally on your computer. There are also some customizable settings that you can adjust as per your preference. PF Sense works well with Windows 10.
2. OPNSense
If you want an easy-to-install open-source Firewall, then OPNSense will be a perfect choice for you. Moreover, the interface of this Firewall is clean and straightforward to be used by several professionals and individual entities. Some of the best-in-class features of OPNSense include WAN load balancing, Network flow monitoring, full mesh VPN routing, etc.
In addition, you will also get built-in reporting and analysis with this Firewall. The Firewall is very popular in its segment and has been widely used since its release in 2015.
3. Untangle Firewall
Toggle firewall is special software that provides advanced network security to its users. You can install it on various platforms starting from a server, or dedicated appliance to a virtual machine or cloud. On the other hand, the Firewall provides complete network protection using its high-class technology.
Additionally, Untangle Firewall also has a software package installed in hardware that you can use. The Firewall will protect the server on which it is installed and the network running on your system.
4. ClearOS
Clear OS is a firewall that will help you to ensure security on the Linux operating system. You can manage access to local services and applications of the machine using it. Moreover, Clear OS can be used to safeguard both a server and its network.
Recently, Clear OS developers have introduced a custom firewall that helps users add IP Tables rules on a computer. So overall, the Firewall is relevant to be used by regular as well as complex users.
5. IPFire
This is a Linux-based firewall that many reputed enterprises trust. IPFire protects its users from different cyber attacks and denial of service attacks. In addition, the developers’ support can be considered one of the best as thousands of developers monitor the software online.
The unique aspect is the IDS or Intrusion Detection System that monitors network traffics and identifies a potential threat. The Firewall blocks the attackers as soon as they identify one.
6. IPCop
IPCop Firewall is another Linux-based firewall that provides network security for individuals and enterprises. A command line operates the whole Firewall, and it doesn’t have any graphical interface. Thereby IPCop Is generally preferable for advanced users.
However, the lack of a graphical interface makes it light weighted to manage storage problems. The leading site of IPCop is shut down, but you can still download it from distribution archives.
7. Shorewall
If you want a Linux firewall installed on servers or routers, Shorewall will be a perfect choice. It works based on IPtables configuration tools. There are many variants of Shorewall, each of which serves a different purpose; users can download them according to their preferences.
Additionally, Shorewall has a three-interface system that can be used with routers by adding a DMZ. You can also use it on several devices as it supports protection for more than one IP address.
8. Endian
It is an easy-to-use firewall that can be used with several operating systems like Windows 10 and others. Endian provides additional protection to your network with its mechanism. The Firewall can be set up quickly for elementary web and email protection.Â
Additionally, users will get antivirus and VPN with Endian firewall. Finally, you will get a wide range of varieties in it to use.
9. Smoothwall Express
It is another open-source firewall serving its users since 2000. The unique aspect of Smoothwall Express is its own GNU/ Linux operating system and a web-based interface. The Firewall ensures security through its three-layered system to prevent any malware attacks on your system.
You will also find good developer support as there are many active developers behind the project. Moreover, the software is easy to install and has an interactive interface.
10. VyOS
Vyos is one of the most highly regarded open-source firewalls that is trusted by world big corporations like Vodafone, Autonet, and Foxit. Whether you are looking for democratized network access or affordable remote-access VPN, it has both features.
Free routing is another key feature of this firewall. Since its runs on common amd64, i586, and ARM computers, utilizing the firewall for cloud deployment becomes seamless. Furthermore, it can be also utilized specific VPN solution for remote systems.
