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Firewall is a security defense software system that works to battle against malware and phishing attacks. Some OSes like the Windows have a built-in firewall to offer instant protection from threats online. However, the built-in firewall programs provide a basic level of protection and are devoid of advanced protection features and it is not scalable to customize options
If you are really in need of a robust firewall with add-on features, there are some reliable third-party firewall to deliver better protection and control. Following are the top 3 Firewall which is efficient protect your PC.
Know the need for Firewall
It is wise to know the importance of firewall. When you connect to the Internet your data can be easily accessed on both sides. If the users’ PCs are not protected, hackers find easy ways to send in malicious code to attack the PC or can find weak security holes and exploit the same, to steal data and damage the system.
The Firewall functions as a filtering system to scan the data and filter out the malicious data from entering the network. It is considered as the first line of defense.
Thus there are two broad categories of concerns that a desktop firewall helps mitigate:
1. You don’t want your data to be transmitted out by any applications, which are not authorized to collect and transmit i.e. you want full control as which application can connect to Internet and which cannot.
2. You don’t want your computer to be hacked due to any internet facing exploitable service running in your system.
The 1st requirement allows you to control that your data is not transmitted even if you have a malware active in your computer while 2nd control allows that even if you have an unpatched vulnerable service running in your system, it can’t be exploited and end up becoming an entry point for zero-day malware.
If you are concerned about above two, you definitely need a Desktop firewall.
Best Firewall for Windows
- Comodo Firewall
- ZoneAlarm Firewall
- TinyWall
Comodo Firewall
Comodo offers an award-winning best firewall, with multi-level security approach. It functions efficiently to monitor the communication to and from the network to battle against malicious threats from entering the network. It checks and alerts the user on any hacker’s activity against devices’ ports and stops the malware or the malicious code from infecting the system.
Features
- Assures to monitor and battle against the internal attacks
- Terminates suspicious access to the Internet from unknown programs
- Provisions to customize the protection settings to fit the user’s requirements
- Permits only legitimate applications or programs to access the internet
- Proactive assistance in tracking any malware attempts on the network
- Offers secure Wi-fi protection services when computer connects to untrusted WiFi networks
- Allows you to create granular rules as which application can connect to which website / IPs and at what ports. And also allows as which all outside network / computer can connect to computer on what port and protocol
- Allows your computer to be completely stealth i.e. from outside world, your computer doesn’t seem to exist as no port is shown open when external scan is run, while at the same time it can connect out and access desired services.
- Offers default-deny protection i.e. an unknown application runs inside a container and can’t harm computer i.e. ideal to protect computer from zero-day malware.
Unlike its counterparts, Comodo firewall holds a cloud-based repertoire of more than two 1.5 billion “safe” apps with 30 million safe applications being added every month. It alerts the user when any other app which is not a part of the Comodo safe list, tries to connect outside the system.
ZoneAlarm Firewall
Zonealarm is another popular firewall program that offers protection with an interface that can be customized. It scans for both outbound and inbound connections and ensures to drive away any malicious activity when detected. Also, it protects the applications and software installed from getting infected.
Features
- Complete scanning of both inbound and inbound connection
- Protection the user’s identity and data
- Gaming Mode
- Application Behaviour control
- Wi-Fi Protection
- Real-time updates to protect against latest malware threats
- Instant Firewall configuration
TinyWall
Tiny wall is another good option, however, doesn’t have its own interface. It positions itself on the system tray and works from there. This makes the firewall use one-third of the PC resources.
Features
- No pop-ups
- Customizable option to alter protection from malware attack
- Easy to whitelist programs
- Password protection setting
- Protection of Host file
- Dedicated LAN control options
Conclusion
Windows is the most widely used Operating System for many a reason, due to its high popularity, hackers target Windows systems to steal inform. Hence use of an efficient Firewall for Windows like Comodo Firewall is highly recommended to stay ahead of threats.
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