Sign in
 
HomeWindows Server 2012Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2003LibraryForums
Windows Server TechCenter >
> 
> 
Best Software Firewall for Windows Server 2012

Answered Best Software Firewall for Windows Server 2012

  • Tuesday, February 19, 2013 5:52 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0

    Hi,

    I'm going to buy a Server with Windows Server 2012 that will be used to host a Java Web application and its database for users to connect via their browser.

    Our application will have sensitive data and I do not want hackers to get into this information so I was wondering which is the best Software Firewall available. I've heard that ForeFront does not add anything more that the built-in Firewall in Windows except for the UI.

    I cannot go for a physical Firewall because the company that will host my Server does not allow this feature unless I pay a lot of money.

    For the Antivirus I was going to go for TrendMicro. But if I need a global solution for both the Firewall and Antivirus I could change my mind.

    Can anyone give me some advice?

    Thanks in advance!

    Regards,

    JFM

    • Edited by jfmorazzani Tuesday, February 19, 2013 5:55 PM
    •  
     

All Replies

  • Tuesday, February 19, 2013 7:29 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0
    built-in?

    My weblog: http://en-us.sysadmins.lv
    PowerShell PKI Module: http://pspki.codeplex.com
    Check out new: PowerShell FCIV tool.

     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 8:09 AM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0
    Well, I meant the firewall that is shipped with Windows.
     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 11:23 AM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0
    But you didn't said why built-in firewall is not enough for you.

    My weblog: http://en-us.sysadmins.lv
    PowerShell PKI Module: http://pspki.codeplex.com
    Check out new: PowerShell FCIV tool.

     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 1:28 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0

    In fact that's because some of my friends, who are working as Network Administrator for small to large enterprises, told me not to use the Windows Firewall on its own.

    They said that it would be best to use a physical Firewall, but since I cannot put one, they recommanded me to look for another solution, like the Comodo or BitDefender ones, because they do not trust the Microsoft's one. To tell you the truth, they are all pro-linux guys, and I'm more of a windows' one, so I would have easily trusted the Windows' one. But since my boss heard that conversation he would feel better if we add another Firewall to our server.

     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 1:51 PM
     
     Answered
    Sign In to Vote
    0

    > In fact that's because some of my friends, who are working as Network Administrator for small to large enterprises, told me not to use the Windows Firewall on its own.

    arguments?

    > To tell you the truth, they are all pro-linux guys

    this answers the question. This is not an argument at all. Since you are driving a business, all religious beliefs must be placed behind.

    > But since my boss heard that conversation he would feel better if we add another Firewall to our server.

    operate with facts. Facts, facts, and more facts. Everything else is considered as BS. If there are no technical or law restrictions, I would suggest to use built-in firewall. Even enterprise-level firewall like ISA/TMG use built-in RRAS functionality to implement routing and firewall.

    > But since my boss heard that conversation he would feel better if we add another Firewall to our server.

    use any firewall you have in mind. If your boss is so dumb to rely on religious beliefs, we can't help you here. I'm really sorry.

    BTW, I'm using built-in firewall for years (within internal networks. To protect the perimeter I'm using ISA/TMG) and can't tell that they are bad.

    My weblog: http://en-us.sysadmins.lv
    PowerShell PKI Module: http://pspki.codeplex.com
    Check out new: PowerShell FCIV tool.

    • Marked As Answer by jfmorazzani Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:09 PM
    •  
     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 1:57 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0

    The thing is I'm sure my boss would happily go for TMG, but it is not supported on Windows Server 2012 as far as I'm aware.

    Do you have another alternative ? Even a Microsoft one that can be downloaded and install.

    Not that I want to find some kind of workaround to make my boss happy, but I'm sure everything will be sorted out with that solution.

    If you are telling me that TMG can be install on a Windows Server 2012, just let me know how to proceed!

    Thanks for your comments and answers I really appreciate!

     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:05 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0

    TMG is not supported on Windows Server 2012. As I said from Microsoft products there is only built-in firewall (which is merged with IPsec). The rest — any 3rd party personal firewall at your choice.

    My weblog: http://en-us.sysadmins.lv
    PowerShell PKI Module: http://pspki.codeplex.com
    Check out new: PowerShell FCIV tool.

     
  • Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:10 PM
     
     
    Sign In to Vote
    0
    Thanks Vadims I appreciate your time and answers.
    • Edited by jfmorazzani Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:10 PM
    •