Firewalls, but not for a desktop...

[AvengerUK]

Hey all,

Im looking at firewalls (again) - but this time for a different use - looking for a firewall that is usable on a "server" without many problems. I would just use kerio...but i want to be sure i choose something up to the job, security is paramount!

Anyone know of any firewalls designed for servers etc?

Thanks!

[Lance]

Have you considered using a hardware firewall at all?

Obviously, use of one of these would be down to your network topology and hardware, not to mention your budget!

Other than that, what OS will you be using on the server? Wndows Server 2003 has a built in firewall I believe, and coupled with a router/firewall could this be sufficient?

[DorsetBoy]

Take a look at this from Privacyware.  PrivateFirewall

They also have this free application which I am trying out. DSA

I use a router DSA and Windows Firewall. DSA scans all apps/system/processes and emails and looks for unusual patterns in behaviour.

In the training period it cetainly asks a lot of questions!

[AvengerUK]

Have you considered using a hardware firewall at all?

Obviously, use of one of these would be down to your network topology and hardware, not to mention your budget!

Other than that, what OS will you be using on the server? Wndows Server 2003 has a built in firewall I believe, and coupled with a router/firewall could this be sufficient?

Hardware firewall wise, there is a "basic" one, but i never rely on these alone - and its using XP at the moment.

----

Im going to try those now Dorset

[jadeia]

Kerio is good, but Outpost Free was even better when I tested them. If it's for a server as you have mentioned, then I would strongly urge you to consider a hardware firewall. Any machine that is left powered on and connected to the net (like a server) should have a hardware firewall in my honest opinion.

If it's just for a home machine which only connects to the internet for short periods, then to be honest, the built in firewalls on your average Wifi router are fine enough. Im not a strong believer that a robust firewall is needed for home PCs beyond the microsoft one and the ones that come with routers.

I think you will find consensus on the hardware recommendation for servers however.

[Scott]

AvengerUK

I successfully used an IPCop box on the end of my BB connection for over 3years without incident and despite logs and logs full of penetration attempts.

It's a self build/self-install linux based firewall, very very well configured and chock full of features. I loved getting it setup and operational.

May be if use however of course you might not want to take the homebrew route !

GL & HTH