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Protecting our devices and systems on the network is essential. In this way we can prevent the entry of threats that may jeopardize the proper functioning. There are many types of malware and attacks that arrive by very varied methods. However, we can also use many tools that protect us. In this article we will talk about it. We explain how TinyWall filters application network access on Windows.
The importance of maintaining security
To maintain security we can make use of different tools. Some are free, others are paid and sometimes we even have software that is integrated with the operating system. That is what happens in the case of the Windows firewall . It is one of the many tools we can use to protect the system.
The great importance of maintaining security in our equipment must be taken into account. On the one hand we will always preserve the proper functioning of the devices and allow everything to go correctly. But we will also avoid problems that may affect our privacy and even other computers connected to the network.
Therefore, as we always say, it is very important to take measures to protect security when we use devices connected to the network. This must be applied regardless of the type of operating system or the platform we are using.
In this case we will focus on the operation of TinyWall. It is a free application firewall with allowlists for programs that need network access.
TinyWall’s independent firewall engine
Since version 3.0, TinyWall uses its own independent firewall engine. It can run without the built-in Windows Firewall or alongside it. Keep Windows Firewall enabled as recommended in the developer’s FAQ. See the official version history for details of the change.
Download TinyWall from its official website. The current FAQ lists desktop Windows 11 and Windows 10 21H2, build 19044, or later. An older TinyWall release supporting older Windows is not evidence that those operating systems still receive security fixes.
Installation blocks network access for most applications until you allow them. Do this locally: installing over a remote connection can cut off your session. Use Normal mode and add exceptions for the trusted applications you need; leaving the firewall disabled defeats its purpose.
On the other hand, we can also give Console and change different configuration aspects as we see in the image below. One way to have control over how this tool will act in order to protect us.
If we click on Show Connections, it will show us a list of all the connections currently in the system. Sometimes it is interesting to know what applications are using the network or if we detect something strange that should not be there. TinyWall allows us to have total control in this regard and see at all times what connections are in the system.
To restore a trusted app, use a Whitelist by window, process or executable option. If it still fails, open Connections, show blocked connections, retry the app, and identify its additional executables. Services and Store apps have separate selectors in configuration. Follow the official troubleshooting instructions rather than allowing every application.
TinyWall filters network traffic; it does not include antivirus or malware-removal modules. Keep Windows Firewall enabled and avoid running a second third-party firewall alongside it. Maintain operating-system updates as well. For isolating devices on your home network, see network segmentation options; application rules and network isolation solve different problems.