Every day, we hear about cyber attacks and the damage they can do. Whether it’s a business or someone’s personal information that has been compromised, these attacks are becoming more and more common. And as our lives move more and more online, the need for good cybersecurity becomes even more important. One way to help protect your home or business network is by using a firewall. A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that helps to prevent unauthorized access to your computer or network. There are many different types of firewalls available, but one you may want to consider is Firewalla Gold.
Firewalla Gold is a firewall designed for home and small business users. It provides protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. In this Firewalla Gold review, we dive deep enough to find out if this firewall hardware is the best device for monitoring your business or home network.
Firewalla Gold Explained
Firewalla Gold is a cybersecurity device that combines a router and a smart firewall in one compact design. How does it compare to other Firewalla devices? Comparing Gold to Firewalla Red and Blue, the Gold is packed with features and benefits (and we’ll get into all of those below). It can support over 3 Gigabit of throughput on top of the existing feature sets (versus 1 Gigabit of throughput you get with Firewalla Purple). Firewalla Gold introduces many exciting new functionalities. What kind of amazing functionalities? Router mode, network segmentation, and enhancement and rules. Firewalla Gold is a fully functional router. The new Firewalla Purple has some of these features as well.
With four Ethernet ports with Gold, you can segment the network with physical LANS and VLANs to isolate traffic in different segments and apply different policies. For example, you can create a guest network as a VLAN and block devices in the guest network from accessing other parts of your network. You can also use a device group when you want to manage multiple devices with the same policy that you can set up and customize. For example, on your kids’ devices with one tap, you can control internet access for all devices in the group. Simple. As a parent, this is one beefy piece of hardware that can do a ton to help you monitor and manage your home network. There are many other design features we love, but here are some of our quick thoughts on the Firewalla Gold.
Our Quick Thoughts On Firewalla Gold
Pros: We love how Firewalla claims “Firewalla Gold [is] the world’s most affordable multi-gigabit smart firewall.” And after doing some research, this is primarily true. Firewalla Gold does a LOT. If you want privacy protection? You got it. Looking for optimal cyber security? Dunzo. Parental controls? Bingo. We counted over 20 useful and effective features and benefits of Firewalla Gold. It’s just layer after layer of enhanced and effective security for your home or business network.
Cons: This device does a TON! The amount of features and benefits along with all the other bells and whistles, and amounts of data you can find is incredible. So how is that a bad thing? Well…it can be a bit overwhelming. Although we didn’t find installing and using Firewalla Gold to be terribly difficult, we understand how many entry-level users could experience a learning curve with this piece of somewhat complex hardware. But diving into the tutorials and help support on their website will help reconcile any issues you face. Spending a modest 15-20 minutes to learn and understand how to install Gold will pay dividends. During the review, we really didn’t find anything of negative value about Firewalla Gold.
Verdict: Firewalla Gold is the perfect solution for any family that wants complete control of their home network. Whether you are looking to block pesky ads or protect against hackers, this device offers it all with ease and precision! Takes a little bit of time for setup, but the benefits are definitely there.
As if its innovative features weren’t enough reason alone why every household serious about network security should consider getting one today…it also comes at an affordable price point (within the context of what it can do) which will fit even those tight budgets out there.
Firewalla Gold is a great solution for monitoring your home network security and even your business. It’s a powerful firewall and intrusion detection system that will protect your data and keep you and your business and family safe online. This is a perfect device especially if you run a business from home. A few of my favorite features of this product are that it acts as a firewall, has a 3 Gigabit deep packet inspection hardware (compared to Purple’s 1 Gigabit), and has content and policy-based routing. Other features worth mentioning are:
VPN Client (for secure browsing and streaming, encrypts your data)
Bridge Mode which can bridge two networks seamlessly together
Simple plug and play features for setup (they claim 5 minutes…for most, it might take a little longer though)
Robust network segmentation
Enhanced and effective parental controls
Built-in ad blocker
Geo-blocking
Multiple WLAN Connections. You can hook up to 4 separate WLAN connections. For example, while I’m already using 2 connections, I can also use one for my fiber connection and another for my Starlink Satellite. I can load balance them, failover them, or load balance them with a priority level for each port. Firewalla Gold’s multiple WLAN connections feature is pretty sweet.
Has 32GB of storage
Firewalla Gold Is relatively small
A VPN encryption speed of 120 Mbits
This is a very robust piece of hardware and many will be overwhelmed with the amount of data you can get from Firewalla Gold. The trick is sifting out what is important to you as the user. And those priorities are probably going to be different from parent to a business person. You might understand some of what was mentioned above. But there may be some of you who won’t exactly know what all of this is. And that’s okay. Just understand that it’s awesome tech. But features smeatures. How do all of these high-tech, enhanced features benefit you?
Bear with us because some of these benefits just won’t speak to you. Some of them we get geeked about and some are ones most people (parents…we’re talking to you) can relate to. Here are some of the benefits of the Firewalla Gold that you should be stoked about:
Incredible protection. Firewalla Gold will keep your devices and data safe from cyber attacks
Firewalla’s VPN client alone is worth the cost of the device. No monthly contracts. After a few years, on this benefit alone it can pay for itself.
Firewalla Gold will monitor and control internet usage of every device connected to your network. Want to restrict internet access on one device and not the other? Easy. Don’t want little Jonny playing online games between 5-7? Simple. Want to receive alerts and notifications about certain online activity on your network? Not a problem. Block adult content. Easy. Block porn. No sweat. Want application-based monitoring? Firewalla does it all.
The Firewalla app and its integration with the piece of hardware is flawless and easy to operate. If you do have issues, there are ample amounts of tutorials online to help.
Geo-Blocking is another awesome benefit because we can block any network traffic from China, Turkey, Russian, Taiwan, Romania, and any of those countries that have a high concentration of incredible hackers. This benefit alone can stop hackers from attacking your business and personal data.
Firewalla Gold is going to block ads, which let’s be honest…can be very annoying at times.
Building a well-oiled and well-protected network is a breeze. Block domains and domains with wildcards. Block IP addresses. Port-based blocking abilities. Notifications when any device is online or offline. Regulate network traffic so you can prioritize traffic and reduce delays. Get impeccable and useful data insights into your network usage.
It’s understandable why there would be a little bit of overwhelm when looking at all the amazing things Firewalla Gold can do. It has a lot of power to do some incredible things. Theoretically, it is built for the advanced user. BUT…Firewalla Gold is the piece of hardware that will make you feel secure knowing your home and business networks are protected.
How Do I Install Firewalla Gold (H2)
Firewalla makes it easy to get started with their products by providing a step-by step guide on how you can easily install them. First of all, download the free Firewalla app from either Apple Store or Google Play store and follow instructions for connecting devices including plugging in the power code provided along with cords that connect everything together nicely.
Firewalla Gold Help/Support (H2)
The company’s support services are phenomenal. They offer a variety of ways to get help, including an extensive community and router compatibility checker tool that can pinpoint any issues you’re having with your device in just seconds!
All in all, their support services include a help center, a community (and I have found a lot of useful information there), router compatibility look-up, install guides, user manuals, app download helps, troubleshooting guides, and your basic contact help support tickets.
Firewalla Warranties
We’re happy to report that Firewalla is a brand we can trust. The warranty for their products stands behind its promise of quality and longevity, as well! All Firewalla hardware (Gold included) is backed by a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty. In the scope of hardware devices, a one-year warranty is pretty good. This doesn’t mean you can be rough with the device. It is a Limited Warranty under normal use and service. They also have a decent return policy as well (30 days), but if you don’t buy directly from Firewalla (like Amazon, Indiegogo, or another reseller) you will have to follow those store policies on returns and refunds.
If you’re in the market for a new network security solution or are just curious about Firewalla Gold (or any of their other products like Firewalla Purple), we highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s an investment that could very well pay off in the long run thanks to its combination of features, benefits, vast online community, and customer service. Plus, if you do happen to have any issues with your device, Firewalla’s support is top-notch and they offer a decent hardware warranty that will make you feel at ease. They literally take the risk out of delivering you optimal security for your home or business. Grab a Firewalla Gold today!
There is a lot of talk out there about VPNs. Should you get one? What are the benefits? I’ve heard they slow down your connections? I’ve heard they are the best protection you can get. Trust me, I’ve heard them all. There’s a lot of noise. Some of it is good noise. And some of it not. We want to set the record straight and talk about the pros and cons of using a VPN.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the VPN provider’s servers. This can be useful for many purposes, from safeguarding your internet traffic from prying eyes to accessing region-locked content. However, not all VPNs are created equal, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of using one before deciding whether or not to invest in one. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using a VPN so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
What Are The Cons Of Using A VPN?
Before we hit on the good things about VPNs, we want to briefly dive into some of the cons. Some of the negative banter you’ll most likely hear are half-truths. And they’re partially true because VPNs are a dime a dozen. There are so many of them out there. There are free ones, paid ones, good ones, and bad ones. Basing a single experience on a single VPN service just doesn’t do the idea of getting a VPN justice. But generally speaking, let’s discuss some of the cons you might experience when dealing with VPNs.
VPNs Can Slow Down Your Connection Speed
This is true, BUT…it depends on the type of VPN you get. Most of the paid versions (and some of the free) can handle 1 Gbps speed or higher. Most people that experience a slowed connection probably have opted in for a free version.
They’re Difficult To Setup
This was definitely true in the infant stages of VPNs because most people using them were the techy-type and knew their way around this kind of technology. Of course, someone who is an average user of computers and the internet would struggle with new technology. But as more VPNs hit the market, we’re beginning to see companies get really good at customer experience, so the setup and configuration aren’t nearly as bad as it was only a handful of years ago.
VPNs Can Drain Your Battery
This applies mostly to your smartphone devices (and tablets for that matter). A big reason why this is the case is that apps that run continuously on your phone in the background naturally will have the most impact on your device’s battery. Just going off what my iPhone says, my VPN uses about 15-20% of my battery on average. It’s about the 3rd highest app in battery usage as well. And that’s been pretty consistent. But again…apps like Facebook, YouTube, NBA2k Mobile, and even your messaging apps will drain your battery, soooo.
VPN Connections Can Just Poof
This will happen from time to time and I’ve experienced it with a couple of free versions. This is why a kill switch option is a really nice feature to pay attention to. Hotspot Shield has a kill switch and is free. Most of the paid versions have this added benefit as well. Without getting into the complexities of kill switches, the idea behind the kill switch is really simple. Basically, if the VPN connection drops, you can activate a “Kill Switch”, which blocks your device’s access to the internet. It’s nice because this can prevent you from having that device send data outside your secure VPN. It’s a nice feature that most VPNs should have in case the VPN server drops. At any given moment, your secure connection to a VPN server can be interrupted, which in effect can reveal information that was private. Information like your IP address, your location, and some other personal data. You’re going to want a VPN that has an “Always On” option in their settings for a kill switch.
They Give People A False Sense Of Super Security
They are not full-proof protection from cyberattacks, personal data protection, and viruses on the web. Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever come across something that is completely bulletproof from the dangers on the web. But the notion is such that some believe they get a VPN and they’re completely protected from anything nefarious on the web. That’s just not true.
There are seriously so many awesome benefits you get out of using a VPN. Benefits range from increased security, encrypted personal data, hacker protection, escaping data caps on your internet, and so many more. But we wanted to highlight some of the best Pros as to why you should get a VPN.
VPNs Are Affordable Security
This is one of the major perks of using a VPN. Compared to other security measures, VPNs can be significantly more affordable than other security measures. There are a handful of free VPNs out there that make security virtually free. Hotspot Shield and ProtonVPN are a couple of free VPNs you should check out. Even the paid versions are relatively cheap. ExpressVPN’s paid service right now is under $7 a month and Norton VPN is $40 for the whole year with up to 5 devices for protection.
A VPN Protects Your Data
This is such an incredible benefit. VPNs will help protect the data that you send and receive on your devices. Again…it’s not bulletproof (nothing is), but with the encryptions VPN services offer, it definitely makes it harder for hackers. They don’t necessarily work the same way as fully comprehensive anti-virus software, but they will protect you if you have healthy digital hygiene (stay away from phishing websites, don’t download compromised files, etc).
Access Content From Virtually Anywhere
This will depend on how many servers your VPN service offers, but generally speaking if you opt-in for a paid VPN, you’ll be able to access blocked content from anywhere in the world. I remember one time on a long vacation to another country we literally had Netflix blocked the whole time. You could argue that we shouldn’t have been watching Netflix on vacation, but nonetheless…a VPN will allow you to access any streaming service from any country. Furthermore, it’s not just streaming services. You can bypass almost any geoblock. Geoblocking is tech that will restrict your access to the internet and websites based on your geolocation.
Should You Get A VPN?
If you’re someone that regularly uses the internet, buys anything online, or does any kind of banking online, VPNs are a great way to increase your security and privacy. They work by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, so that no one can see your traffic or track your activities. They’re not perfect protection, but they’re pretty good.
Firewalla Purple is a device that can help you monitor your home network and keep your kids safe while connected online. I usually don’t all-in on products with so much fervor, but Firewalla Purple is the best device for monitoring your home network. Period.
Our Quick Thoughts On Firewalla Purple
Pros: A very effective piece of hardware for monitoring your home network. You get incredible support and protection from cyber-attacks. We love that this device is small and you can take it with you on the go. Up to 1 Gbps speed so you won’t notice a lag on your network. Blocks ads. Has safe search. Geo-IP filtering. It is easy to use and easy to install.
Cons: Although we didn’t find installing and using Firewalla Purple to be too complex, we can understand how some entry-level users could experience a little bit of learning fatigue with this piece of hardware. But that’s normal. Most people would avoid this by spending 15-20 minutes to learn and understand how to install Purple properly and leverage all the cool features it has to offer. During the review, we couldn’t find anything of negative value about Firewalla Purple.
Verdict: If you want to get serious about monitoring and protecting your home network, Firewalla Purple should be on your radar (should be in your cart). This clever and innovative device gives you all the visibility, control, and protection that a premium hardware firewall device should.
Have you ever been worried about your kids’ safety online? Let’s be real, if you’re like me, it’s always on the mind. Here’s the problem: As a parent, you want to keep your kids safe while they’re online. But it’s not always easy to know what they’re up to, or if they’re being cyber-bullied, or if they’re being good digital citizens, and all that nasty stuff they’re exposed to. You’re also probably a little concerned about what’s coming and out of your home through the internet and their devices. What are you supposed to do? Let’s talk about Firewalla Purple.
It can help you keep your kids safe while they’re online by giving you a real-time view of all the devices on your network. You can see what websites they’re visiting, and even block access to certain ones. You can even block specific social media services or block them all, and on top of that you can block them per device, group of devices or all devices.
With Firewalla Purple, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your kids are safe online. You’ll be able to see what they’re doing and protect them from any harmful content. Plus, it’s easy to set up and use, so there’s no need to worry about complicated instructions. It’s the best device for monitoring your home network, and we wanted to offer a comprehensive review of this really sweet product every home should have.
Firewalla Purple Is The Solution For Monitoring Your Home Network
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about your home network security. You might have a firewall installed on your computer, and maybe you’ve even got a router with some basic security features enabled. Perhaps you have an app to help you as well. But beyond that, you probably don’t give it much thought.
That’s a mistake. Your home network is vulnerable to attacks from hackers, cyber thieves, and other criminals. Get used to it. These nefarious individuals are a normal occurrence in the digital world and they’re never going away. If your data is compromised, the consequences can be disastrous. Identity theft, financial theft, and a list of other problems will greet you in life. And it ain’t fun.
Trying to protect your kiddo’s? You can either block porn sites or if by chance they find a new adult site, Firewalla analyzes the site and sends you an alarm right away that tells you “Johnny is watching porn”. In this regard, Firewalla Purple is a proactive monitor for your home network and your family.
Firewalla Purple Features We Love…
Firewalla Purple is the solution for monitoring your home network security. It’s a powerful firewall and intrusion detection system that will protect your data and keep you and your family safe online. A few of my favorite features of this new Firewalla launch are that it acts as a firewall, has 1 Gigabit deep packet inspection hardware (that’s a lot!), and has content and policy-based routing. Other features worth mentioning is:
Built-in VPN server and VPN Client (for secure browsing and streaming, encrypts your data)
Router and Transparent Bridge Mode (which syncs seamlessly with your existing hardware)
Has 16GB of onboard storage
Is small and compact (easy to travel with) – 9x6x3cm
Some of you won’t exactly know what all of this is, but for the geeks out there…you’re probably nodding a big “heck yeah”. What do these features mean? How do they benefit you (because that’s what you really care about)?
Many of you won’t know all of that technobabble geek-talk and that’s okay. Gigabit deep packet inspection? I hear you! What you care about is how those features are going to benefit you! Here are some of the benefits of the Firewalla Purple that you should be excited about:
Firewalla Purple will keep your devices and data safe from cyberattacks
Firewalla Purple will monitor and control internet usage of every device connected to your network
This cool little hardware device is going to block ads, enhance your ability to be an effective parent in the digital world, and give you the most important and advanced insights into your network. You can geek out on those insights (if you’re like me) or make them as simple to understand. Purple does it all. Oh…and NO MONTHLY FEES!
Did we mention that Firewalla Purple has built-in Wi-Fi so you can have all of this protection on the go! Staying in a hotel for a week with the family? Maybe staying at Nana’s for the holidays? Perhaps in another country on a work trip? You still get all of these awesome features, benefits, and protection.
Firewalla Purple is the piece of hardware that will make you feel secure knowing your home network is protected. And that’s what matters most to me.
How Do I Install Firewalla Purple
Firewalla has come a long way in making the setup and installation of its products easy. First, you’ll want to download the Firewalla app (it’s supported by Apple and Android), plug in the device to its power source (power code provided ~ sad we have to worry about power supply cords being provided with products nowadays), plug in your connections ethernet cord, and follow the step-by-step setup instructions on the app.
Firewalla Purple Help/Support
For a company that got their start leveraging crowd-funding for their products, their level of Help and Support is phenomenal. I was impressed by the development and innovation of their products, but the way their support has evolved and improved over the years is nothing short of impressive.
Their support services includes a help center, a community (and I have a lot of useful information there), router compatibility look up, install guides, user manuals, app download helps, troubleshooting guides, and your basic contact help support tickets.
Firewalla Warranties
We love brands that stand behind their products. That is a hallmark trait that is important to us. Firewalla’s warranty fulfills on that promise. All Firewalla hardware (Purple included) is backed by a limited one year manufacturer’s warranty. In the scope of hardware devices, a one year warranty is pretty good. Now, this doesn’t mean you can beat the crap out of the device. It is a Limited Warranty under normal use and service. They also have a decent return policy as well (30 days), but if you don’t buy directly from Firewalla (like Amazon, Indiegogo, or another reseller) you will have to follow those store policies on returns and refunds.
If you’re a parent with kids who have devices, you need to be monitoring your home network security. If you’re not, time to get serious about it. And Firewalla Purple is a great place to start. Firewalla Purple is the solution for monitoring your home network security and it’s packed with features that will protect your data and keep your family safe online. With 16GB of onboard storage, this little hardware device is small and compact, and easy to travel with. It also has built-in Wi-Fi so you can have all of this protection on the go! Keep yourself and your family safe online and grab a Firewalla Purple. If you want to…
Keep your devices and data safe from cyberattacks
Monitor and control internet usage of every device connected to your network
Block ads and enhance your ability to be an effective parent in the digital world
Get real-time insights into your network that you can geek-out on or make simple to understand
…Firewalla Purple is going to be your best friend.
As a parent with kids who have devices, you’re always worried about their safety online. You want to monitor their internet usage and keep them safe from cyberattacks, but it’s hard to do that when you don’t know how to use the technology yourself. You feel like you’re behind the curve and your kids are always one step ahead of you. At least that’s how I feel! I know you feel the same way. They know more about how to use the internet and stay safe than you do. They’re pre-wired for this technology. But we’re pre-wired in our ability to know that we need to help protect them. Firewalla Purple helps us with those noble intentions. Firewalla Purple is the solution for monitoring your home network security and it’s packed with features that will protect your data and keep your family safe online.
More and more homes are being set up to be smart homes with all the bells and whistles (smart cameras, smart doorbells, smart locks, smart assistants, smart this, smart that) with fast internet. If your family is like mine, it feels like everyone and everything is connected to the internet. For the most part, everything runs smoothly. But underneath all of those connections, devices, and the internet is a world of data and quite honestly…danger. How do you really know what each device is doing on your network?
One of the things I get asked quite often is, “What do you use for home network security?” or “What do you use for monitoring your home network?” First, let me state that there are many efficient and easy (and complex) ways to monitor your home’s network. It is a multi-billion dollar industry with a lot of options for a lot of different users. But one of my favorites and the one I use in my home is Firewalla.
At the highest level of why I love Firewalla? Well…firewalls are typically complex (at least for the general homeowner). Firewalla is extremely simple to use. And when you do come across a firewall that is simple, most of the time they are not powerful and lack protection. Most effective firewalls can be very expensive as well. One thing we love about Firewalla is not just the price but the VALUE it delivers for its users. We want to walk you through some of the things that will help you understand what is at work with the world of firewalls and how Firewalla can really help you monitor your home’s network.
What Is A Cyber Security Firewall?
Don’t panic. Those are big words. Let’s break it down for you as simply as possible. A firewall is a cybersecurity measure that is designed to protect a computer, device, or network from unauthorized access. It’s designed to give you control of what does and doesn’t have access. Firewalls can be software-based (such as the Windows Firewall that comes standard with Windows operating systems) or hardware-based (like Firewalla).
A firewall works by blocking incoming and outgoing traffic based on a predetermined set of rules. For example, you might have a rule that blocks all traffic except for traffic originating from your trusted IP addresses. You might have a rule that blocks a domain from being accessed on any device. You might have a rule that blocks access to any app on a smartphone. This would help to prevent unauthorized access to your computer or network from outsiders. Firewalls are so powerful that 100% of all major businesses use several of them throughout their networks. It’s one of the major networking devices for them. “Dale, if they’re so good, why don’t we use them in our home?”. That’s where Firewalla comes into play.
What Type Of Firewall Is Firewalla?
Firewalla is a next-generation firewall that uses stateful inspection and deep packet inspection (DPI) to protect your devices from malicious attacks, while also providing you with visibility into all of your network traffic. What this incredible (yet simple to operate) piece of hardware can do is beneficial for your home network.
Firewalla uses application-level whitelisting and malware detection to protect your devices from unauthorized access, and it also includes a built-in VPN for secure browsing and streaming. We’ve talked about why you would want to use a VPN (they’re pretty cool). Plus, Firewalla’s intuitive mobile app makes it super easy to monitor your home network from anywhere. There is a little confusion on whether or not Firewalla is a firewall. Yes, Firewalla is a firewall. It’s designed to protect your devices and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. Firewalla can be used to protect your home network, office network, or any other type of network. It’s an easy way to keep your data safe and secure. Heck…it’s an easy and effective way to keep your family safe as well!
Firewalla also acts as a VPN service that encrypts your traffic and routes it through servers before it goes out to the internet. This way, you can keep your data private and secure, even on public Wi-Fi networks. Plus, Firewalla gives you the ability to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It’s like the Swiss-Army Knife of devices.
To put it plainly, Firewalla is a great way to monitor your home network and see what devices are connected, what apps are being used on those devices, and how much bandwidth each device is consuming (yes…I can see how much bandwidth my son’s Xbox X or Oculus Quest 2 is using). You can also use Firewalla to set parental controls and block specific websites or apps.
Firewalla is a hardware device (an actual thing you can hold) that plugs into your home router and tracks all the traffic going in and out of your network. It then sends all that data to the Firewalla app on your phone (to which you can be the only one who has access), where you can see everything in real-time. You can also go back in time up to 30 days and see what everyone (or device) was doing then.
Firewalla Products At A Glance Lineup
There are a handful of different Firewalla products and we wanted to briefly break down each one to make sure you get the one that will best match your needs. There’s almost a timeline of how Firewalla launched their products. And they’ve been an interesting story and brand to follow for the past several years.
Firewalla Red has launched a handful of years ago with one thing in mind: make cybersecurity simple yet affordable. As a base-level product, Red was designed to give you a basic insight into your devices, manage your family’s internet access, and protect your network from dangerous media. It was Firewalla’s answer to fill in the need for an affordable option.
In 2018, Firewalla launched Blue. This version was designed and engineered to be more powerful than Red by operating at 500 megabits. They added Safe Browsing for kids, a VPN client, and geo-blocking to block basically any country from your network (no more Ukrainian hackers). The built-in VPN client is nice because it allows users to safely browse the internet without exposing their personal information.
Back in 2019 Firewall released a bigger, faster, better version of the Blue called the Blue Plus. All the features of the Blue, but more CPU and memory and a cool feature called Simple Smart Queue which reduces congestion on your network…meaning you can give Netflix a higher priority than your kids Xbox game and you’ll stop seeing buffering.
Firewalla Gold was launched in 2020 and it was the enterprise business “Gold” standard in home cybersecurity. They were aiming for next-gen smart firewall protection for home and business. It still utilized the same software as Blue and Red, but this product processes at 3 gigabits per second and was much more powerful than its predecessors. It was like 30 Red’s packed into one piece of hardware. Firewalla Gold allows you to create private networks (with customized rules for each one), device segmentation, create your own VPN networks so devices could teleport to a remote location, and a lot more other bells and whistles. It is built for businesses.
Gold is a professional grade and highly customizable hardware firewall and router with a lot of awesome features: parental controls, advanced insights into your home network, built-in VPN server, dynamic content filtering, device protection, the ability to block ads, and…no monthly fees. It truly is the “Gold” standard.
We’ll have a full review on the Purple in the very near future, but this latest product has very similar features as the Gold model but is packed into smaller hardware. There’s a small, yet clever wrinkle with Purple though: it has built-in Wi-Fi (short-range Wi-Fi radio) so it can operate as a remote router. Why is that cool? You can take Firewalla Purple on the go (vacation, work remote, etc) and can tether your smartphone to it and provide an internet connection to your devices (up to 8 devices). You don’t have to worry the next time your kids connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. It’s literally Firewall-on-the-go. It still runs at gigabit speed. Still protects devices. Still allows you to monitor and control internet usage. And yeah…still no monthly fees!
We’re going to show you how you can use a DNS content filter called Open DNS to make sure you can filter out the kind of content you deem inappropriate for your home and network. Again, not every home has the same benchmarks and standards for the type of media and content that comes through their network, which is another reason why we like content filters through a DNS.
What DNS Filtering?
First off, what is DNS? The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the phonebook for internet users. We navigate to websites through domain names, such as TMZ or Google. However, web browsers interact with IP Addresses instead. Essentially the DNS translates these numerical codes into human-readable formats so you don’t need to memorize an address that can become outdated over time. Without it, we literally would be lost!
Furthermore, DNS filtering can keep your computer safe from malware and other threats by blocking access to websites that have been determined as harmful or hosting malicious content. This way, the user will basically never receive any file or code which could potentially infect one system with a virus! Depending on the service, setting up a DNS filter is relatively easy (more on that below). We highly recommend a DNS content filter because even though someone could circumvent access to bad content and media, they still won’t be able to do it through your network.
How Can Kids ByPass A DNS Filter?
One way someone can bypass a DNS filter is through the use of a VPN. We’ve talked about VPNs a couple of times. A VPN will take the computer or device and put it on a different virtual network. This new network most likely wouldn’t have the DNS filters set up for those certain websites you wanted to block, essentially rendering your DNS filter on your network useless.
Another clever trick (and maybe not so clever) kids can do to get around a DNS filter is by typing in the IP address directly. For example, if I know that ESPN.com is supposed to be at 45.63. 254.129. I could type those numbers in and that website is going to pop up. And this brings up another interesting topic in and of itself about access to VPNs in your home.
How To Setup Open DNS For Content Filtering
One of our favorite DNS content filters is called OpenDNS. This service is free for home users, which is just awesome. Below are the steps to get you going on this free DNS content filter services (exact instruction may change over time, but the idea is still the same:
From here, go to the “Learn More” button on the Consumer side.
Once you’re in the consumer section, go to “Open DNS Home” and click “Sign Up”. A little side-note here on free vs paid versions. There is a paid version of OpenDNS which is around $20 a year. It gives you Usage stats and an “Optional Allow-list Mode”, which blocks everything except for the things that you have specifically wanted to allow.
Go ahead and sign up by entering all the signup information (it’s required…but hey…it’s free).
You will be directed to a page after signup that will help you set up Open DNS (Set Up OpenDNS On Your Device). When you get to this page you will see the name servers are two IP addresses. This is what you are going to add to your Wi-Fi route. These will be the external DNS servers that you would enter in your Wi-Fi router configuration.
After you set up your account, you will be directed to this page to help you set up your Wi-Fi router. These are the name servers for OpenDNS and will always be the name servers no matter what your account is. Because of that, you’ll want to write these down (or save them in Notepad and email them to you). You will need to enter them into the appropriate location on your Wi-Fi router or your modem.
You’ll want to click on “Home Routers” under “Choose Your Device” to get detailed instructions on different types of routers and modems. If your Wi-Fi router or modem is not listed here (and chances are that it might not be…there are thousands of routers), you’ll want to contact your wi-fi router or modem company on how to set a manual DNS on their device.
Further Customizations Through The OpenDNS Dashboard
Once you get your settings and router (or modem) configured properly, click “Test Your Settings”. You will see the OpenDNS dashboard and will be able to see all the stats and logs for your network. It’s kinda cool if you like to geek out on that stuff. You can also change the settings for your particular network as well, which is another nice added benefit of a free DNS content filter. When diving into the Settings (click on “Web Content Filtering”), you can do custom settings and block all of the categories that you want to be blocked. There are a lot of options to customize: gambling, pornography, alcohol, dating, nudity, sexuality, games, ads, weapons, and on and on. We love the custom setting. But if you’re not into dialing down to the specifics, you can choose between High, Moderate, or Low, which all have specific pre-built category filters set in place for you.
The DNS content filter is now set up and ready to operate. It’s not a perfect solution (a little disclaimer) and there are workarounds that someone can do to circumvent the filter, but you’re getting just another added level of protection on what kind of media and content is streaming through your family’s screens. And we like that.
You’d be surprised how many parents out there have no clue what apps are downloaded on their teen’s phones and what they’re doing with those apps. TikTok is no different. This popular app has already set all kinds of download and usage records among young people and shows zero signs of slowing down. It has disrupted markets, has changed the way we view media, and has forced other social apps to rethink the way they present media. Where do you as a parent fit in all of this? Are you behind the curve with this new social phenomenon? Do you teens have TikTok? Are you making some of the most popular mistakes when it comes to parenting TikTok? We’ve put together a quick list of the common mistakes parents are making when it comes to TikTok.
Common Mistakes Most Parents Make With TikTok
First off: Don’t panic. Mistakes are just disguised opportunities to learn. And despite what others would have you believe, making a mistake here or there is not going to ruin your teen’s life. There’s a lot of research out there on the impact of technology and apps on our teens’ lives. We’re certainly not dismissing that science or trying to undermine its purpose. But we’re definitely not buying into the doom-and-gloom nature some of these organizations seem to really peddle. We sometimes make rash decisions based on fear.
At DDID, we want to instill hope for the world, especially where technology is involved. However, there are mistakes being made out there by a lot of parents. We’ve experienced it. We’ve all seen the parent who just lets their kid stream and play with apps for hours and hours. It might be one of you reading this right now. This is a judgment-free zone. We’re all here to learn how to maneuver and exist in this crazy world of technology and families.
Here are some common mistakes many of us parents make with TikTok:
Ignoring Your Teens TikTok Media Habits
You’re not doing anyone any favors by just ignoring or being lazy about what your teen is doing on TikTok.The Laissez-Faire approach to parenting teens in a tech world is not an effective approach, but unfortunately, it is the most adopted style because it is easy. Do not ignore what your teen is doing on TikTok or online in general. Be involved. Find a way to have shared experiences with your teen and this popular app. Who knows? You might discover something on there you can use to help you with parenting 😉
Ruling With An Iron(Man) Fist
On the flip side of just completely ignoring what your teen is doing on TikTok, putting up an iron dome around your family where no technology, no phones, no tablets, no apps, no streaming services, etc. is quite possibly equally worse than being completely hands-off. Remember the goal: Teach them healthy media habits. Teach them how technology, and TikTok for that matter, can empower their lives. Completely cutting them off from the world of tech and innovation can actually have a negative effect on things like their careers, education, and yes…their social lives. We’ve seen instances where teens without phones are left out of social circles and activities. Furthermore, once they do leave the nest they will have this technology in their palms. Having tech habits established early on in their lives will benefit them so much! It is important for them to have that exposure so they can put technology in its place.
Never Talking About The Emotional Response They Feel
Emotions are important. How we respond to things we see, hear, and say on TikTok will shape the path which lies in front of us. Granted, being aware of our emotions is hard for adults, even harder for teens, but teaching them little mindfulness hacks can help lay the groundwork for healthy emotional intelligence down the road. This is a much-needed skill in this tech-crazy world. Sadly, many of the apps and devices we use can create really unhealthy emotional creatures (we call them trolls on social media). They create trolls in our physical lives too. Nobody wants a troll for a teen. Teaching our teens to be mindful while using TikTok can help prevent that. Here are a handful of questions to keep in your back pocket when having conversations with your teen: How did you feel inside while using TikTok or watching that video? Are you aware of how long you have used TikTok today? Did you see anything today that made you upset? Wanna talk about it? Are you being you when you engage with TikTok?
TikTok Can Be A Great Opportunity…
Again…parenting in a tech world is not easy. It’s not impossible though. Many of us simply don’t want to try because we don’t know how to do it. And simply expecting monitoring apps to do all the parenting work for us is not an effective approach. Are these apps useful? Definitely. Should we only rely on them to do all the parenting? Definitely not.
Technology and TikTok is an opportunity to teach kids and teens about discipline and self-governance. As much as some of us would hate to admit, one day our teens will be gone. They’ll be out of the house creating families and experiences of their own. They will no longer live in the confines of our homes. Are we equipping them with good skills and habits for when the training wheels of life come off? What wisdom are we leaving with them in this world? No pressure, but how we parent through this moment of our teen’s life will influence their lives down the road when we’re not there. Be involved. Have conversations. Teach them the value of technology, apps, and how it can really change the world for good.
