Within the network, you get application control, an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and traffic-shaping features. It includes anti-malware, and gives you web security, connection privacy, and URL filtering. If you have a spare computer, then this firewall option is light years ahead of the competition. The host computer needs to have four cores and 6 GB of RAM. You won’t even be able to reinstall your Windows-compatible software once the Sophos XG OS is running. Sophos XG has its own operating system (OS) and when you install it on a computer, it wipes out the existing OS and all software installed on that device. That being said, there is a major infrastructure requirement of this free firewall that may put you off. Essentially, you get all of the system protection controls that you would for a business, but for your home network. Given that most homes now run multi-user wifi networks, the Sophos approach to whole home cybersecurity coverage is a concept that is long overdue. It isn’t just a computer security system, it is a network security system. This security system is unusually advanced compared to the standard firewall software. Sophos is a rising star in the cybersecurity industry and its excellent business protection software is also available for home use. Here’s our list of the best free firewalls for 2021: 1. You don’t need to pay for a top-quality firewall because some of the leading cybersecurity companies produce free software that will protect your computer. The following sections will explain what each of these has to offer: The Best Free Firewalls of 2021 We’ll cover each firewall in detail, but if you’re just looking for a quick list, these are the best free firewalls: Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to third-party software, or even pay a penny. Installing antivirus software as well as an additional firewall is your best chance of keeping your equipment malware-free. Take a look at our round ups of the best overall antivirus and best antivirus software for Mac.

TIP: Good antivirus software will include a firewall as part of a wider range of security features.

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