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Glasswire review: firewall and security solution with lots of customization options
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[Image: glasswire-ghacks.jpg]

Glasswire is a network monitoring and security solution for Microsoft Windows and Google Android devices. On Windows, it is available as a free version as well as several commercial versions which are available as 7-day trial versions for testing purposes.

Tip: Use the coupon code ghacks to get 25% off all Glasswire

The commercial versions of Glasswire include a firewall, networking monitoring, alerts, and other private & security features. The Windows version of the program is compatible with all Windows versions starting with Windows 7. Support includes the latest version of Windows 10.

Installation and Configuration

Installation of the program is straightforward and fast. The program itself runs in the background on the system for the majority of time. You may open the main interface from the System Tray but will also get notifications on the desktop at times, e.g. when the first network activity of a program is noticed, but you may turn these off individually as well in the program settings.

Glasswire's initial configuration offers a good mix of security and convenience. It is advised to go through the Settings once to make sure that everything is set up as wanted; this does not take a long time but improves the overall experience.
 
[Image: glasswire-firewall.png]

First thing you may want to do is switch to the Firewall tab to configure the firewall. You may need to turn it on there first. The second thing you need to decide is whether you want the firewall to inform you only, to prompt you for action (allow/disallow), or to block outright.

You may also create multiple firewall profiles that you may switch between with the click of a button.

Alerts are one of the key features of Glasswire; they work similarly to alerts from other firewall applications or network monitors but Glasswire offers better customization options and filters when it comes to alerts.
 
[Image: glasswire-alerts.png]

Open the Settings with a click on the Glasswire icon and the selection of Settings from the menu. Switch to Security and hit the "unlock" link there to manage the program's monitoring capabilities in detail; this requires elevation.

You will notice that only some of the monitors are configured to display notifications by default, and that Glasswire supports a wide range of different monitors.
  • Things Monitor -- monitors devices connecting to the PC via LAN or WiFi.
  • First Network Activity -- alerts you on the first connection of a program on the system.
  • System File Monitor -- alerts you when system file changes occurred as part of network events.
  • Device List Monitor -- notifies you when any network related devices on the system change.
  • Application Info Monitor -- alerts you when changes to applications are noticed that may be the result of tampering with the computer.
  • While you were away -- provides a summary of important events while the PC was idle or you were away.
  • ARP spoofing detection -- Address Resolution Protocol spoofing detection and notifications, e.g. when an attacker tries to manipulate Internet traffic.
  • RDP detection -- informs you about Remote Desktop Protocol connections to your device.
  • Proxy settings monitor -- alerts you on proxy changes.
  • DNS server settings monitor -- monitors configured DNS settings and notifies you if these are changed.
  • Internet access monitor -- alerts you when Internet access changes are noticed.
  • Remote Glasswire Connections -- keeps track of connection attempts using Glasswire's remote connection feature.
  • Suspicious hosts monitor -- Glasswire maintains a list of suspicious hosts and will notify you when the device attempts to connect to a host on that list.
  • WiFi evil twin alert -- informs you about suspicious WiFi connections.
  • Virustotal scan result.
You can enable and disable each monitor individually and select whether you want to receive desktop notifications when the monitor detects an event.
 
[Image: glasswire-virustotal.png]

Glasswire supports Google's VirusTotal malware checking service but it needs to be enabled before it can be used. Select VirusTotal in the Settings, then unlock to enable management of the settings on the page, and activate one or both of the following options:
  • Enable manual file analysis by VirusTotal.
  • Automatically analyze all apps with network activity with VirusTotal.
Glasswire notes that files may be uploaded to VirusTotal if the option is enabled and that VirusTotal may share the file with "the information security community".

Glasswire's Settings provide other interesting options. Here is a quick overview:
  • Enable a bandwidth monitor to keep track of used bandwidth and receive alerts.
  • Select a different text size, interface language, or default theme.
  • Enable the looking up of DNS names for hosts.
  • Enable the program's built-in Remote Access functionality.
...
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[-] The following 5 users say Thank You to harlan4096 for this post:
  • dinosaur07, jasonX, Raur, silversurfer, Ultimo
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#2
Thanks for this updated info on GlassWire!

We had a previous review done in our old community before way back when they were open to sponsorship. To compare the old version Pro edition 1.2.73 link is HERE
[-] The following 4 users say Thank You to jasonX for this post:
  • dinosaur07, harlan4096, Raur, Ultimo
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