Linux is the first open source project to have had such a profound impact on the globe. Even though its consumer market share is low, it is larger than it appears. Linux is ubiquitous; it is on your smartphones as Android, on the millions of servers that power the internet, and on your home wifi. It may not be pervasive in the consumer sector, but it is everywhere else, bringing us to this post’s topic: security. When millions of people use a product, it becomes an easy target for those who wish to inflict harm. Most assaults occur remotely through the internet; hence a robust firewall is required for network-critical apps. If you are seeking the Best Linux Firewall, we will examine the best Linux firewalls so that you are aware of your options and can defend your network matter of what comes your way.
The Best Linux Firewalls
Let’s have a look at the Best Linux Firewalls.
1. Monowall
Monowall is tailored and built on low-end computers, requiring only 16 MB of storage space. This performance means a lot, though, as it is a basic firewall with few features. Monowall includes QoS routing, allowing you to shape any traffic passing through it. This allows you to prioritize some connections over others and create a firewall that is secure and quick. Monowall has not been actively developed since February 2015; however, it is still accessible for download.
2. Iptables
Iptables is pre-installed on most Linux distros, and while it isn’t the most feature-rich firewall available, it is secure. It has no user interface because it is a command line program. You will need to learn the commands to configure it, making it difficult to use. However, other GUI solutions interact with Iptables to simplify its use, such as Ubuntu’s “Simple Firewall.” Iptables operate, analyzing packets to see whether they fit any rules. If none are found, it simply employs the default behavior. Iptables is a firewall that is simple enough. You should seek elsewhere if you are searching for a firewall with all the bells and whistles. Iptables is adequate if you want something simple to configure and then forget about.
3. Zentyal Server
Zentyal isn’t a firewall specifically; it was specifically built as an email server but ended up doing additional functions. As Zentyal may be used as a full-fledged business server, it is equipped with a very flexible firewall. Zentyal is based on Ubuntu Server LTS; therefore, installing Zentyal is equivalent to installing an operating system. This also means that you can accomplish virtually everything possible on Ubuntu. Zentyal may run as a full-fledged server with all the necessary components. If you can manage the huge number of options and possibilities offered by Zentyal and require something that can accomplish much more than a simple firewall, this is the product for you. Zentyal includes a DNS server, DHCP server, email server, domain controller, and more.
4. pfSense
Monowall is the foundation for pfSense; the creators took the open source Monowall project and built it on top of it. pfSense, unlike Monowall, is currently under active development. It provides all the same features as Monowall, plus more. PfSense’s hardware failover, multi-WAN, and other sophisticated features make it a highly valuable firewall for network managers with high expectations. It is the most feature-rich firewall available, but its complexity makes it difficult to operate. Despite the interface’s best efforts to be intuitive, there is a learning curve.
5. ClearOS
It is based on CentOS, and similar to Zentyal, it may act as much more than just a firewall. ClearOS’s interface helps it make out; it is evident that much effort was put into making it as straightforward as possible. It isn’t easy and requires that you understand what you are doing, despite its seeming simplicity. ClearOS can be simple to install for beginner users. ClearOS can give every functionality requested by an advanced user. With ClearOS, even installation is simple.
The Bottom Line:
Well, these were some of the top best Linux firewalls; your choice will depend on your needs. It should also be mentioned that Linux allows you to determine how to secure your network; this is the strength of open source: choice. And speaking of matter, Linux is currently favored by both kids and geeks; see the Linux for kids piece for more information. With so many firewall options, it is tough to determine the best, but guidelines like these should help you choose the best Linux firewall for your needs.