New! Ashampoo Firewall

[mrhero]

Today I have a mail from ashampoo that says new Ashampoo firewall will be released at 08/23/2006. Here is some features from letter:

Highlights:
- Very easy to use: No incomprehensible messages, no zones,
no adapters, no familiarity with protocols required (Easy Mode)
- Identifies and blocks DLL Trojans and hijackers that try to use
known applications to access the Internet without being noticed
- Identifies and blocks applications that have been changed
(e.g. by virus infection)
- User-friendly setup assistant helps you to create standard rules for
known applications like Internet Explorer, Outlook, Firefox etc.
- Easy/Expert mode: You can choose how many decisions you want
the firewall to make for you and which settings you want to automate

Additional Features:
- Rule-based: You can define specific Internet access rights for every
application (full access, no access, only via specified ports)
- Comprehensive logs with statistics showing when specific
applications accessed the Internet
- Access Stop: Temporarily disables all connections
- Display all active connections
- All rules and other settings critical for security are strongly
encrypted to prevent manipulation by malicious programs
- Self-protection: The firewall protects itself against unauthorized
termination
- Useful additional tools, including Autostart Manager, Internet Cleaner
and Process Information

[Edwin024]

It looks a lot like an already existing firewall...but I can't come up with the name of that one...HELP! ;)

[mrhero]

from letter:
"yet another superior product from Ashampoo, the company with a
decade of experience in programming leading Windows® utilities.
The new and fully inhouse developed Ashampoo FireWall provides
ultimate protection against Internet intruders, enabling you to regain
control over your data! "

[RejZoR]

Well either way, i'd give them 10/10 for interface design.

[Martijn2]

-{ Quote: "It looks a lot like an already existing firewall...but I can't come up with the name of that one...HELP! ;)" }-

It somehow looks like the Mcafee Firewall ( http://www.anti-virus-software.com/capital_intellect/images/mcafee_firewall_2005_big.gif )

[MaB69]

-{ Quote: "It somehow looks like the Mcafee Firewall ( http://www.anti-virus-software.com/capital_intellect/images/mcafee_firewall_2005_big.gif )" }-

Yes it's the Mcashampoo firewall ;D

[ErikAlbert]

Hmmm... did they re-invent the wheel again ? No problem, I only have to choose longer. :)

[noway]

-{ Quote: "Well either way, i'd give them 10/10 for interface design." }-

Except for GUI spelling and grammar which is 1/10.

[Ghosteck]

yea it looks good,But does it work ? has anyone tested it out yet?

[Zero3K]

Its not available for download/purchase until August 23rd, 2006.

[wilbertnl]

I can't help myself being cautious with this pre-release order offer.
Although affordable, I want to hold it in my hands first!

[rdsu]

Someone know if will have a free version?

[YeOldeStonecat]

-{ Quote: "Except for GUI spelling and grammar which is 1/10." }-

ROFL....anyone form of quality control over there? :lurking:

[Ashampoo]

Hi Wilders Security Community.

We're glad to see that there are so many discussions about our forthcoming Ashampoo FireWall but like to 'clear up' some rumors.

We promise that it's a 100% self-development from Ashampoo Development GmbH & Co. KG and no 'rebrand' of any existing firewall from one of our shortly becoming competitors. We think that this was the right decision for us as well as for our possible customers as we never really liked the way some of todays available firewall products work. (e.g. the handling of the user-interface as well as the performance consumption)

The development of the program goes very well and our test department is running tests since a long time already. As far as no problems occur anymore we hope to release a beta version within the next 1-2 weeks to our beta testing community.

There won't be a free version available but it will include the ashampoo shareware idea which means you'll be able to test the product for 10 days right after you've installed it without any restrictions. After that, you can additionally extend the time for another 30 days by registering for a free trial keycode.

Okay, we're really hope that our Ashampoo FireWall will meet your expectations and if not that you'll share your ideas, comments and suggestions with us so we can get the best out of it.

Thank you very much.

BTW, the translation of the interface will be redone completely again. ;)

MfG / Regards
Jens Meyerholz
Product Manager Ashampoo Development GmbH & Co. KG
ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG
http://www.ashampoo.de/whois
http://www.ashampoo.com/whois

[RobZee]

Latest I've seen - trial available 8/14/06 untill 8/23/06


From August 14th, 2006 you can downlad the FREE Beta Version trial of Ashampoo FireWall here and try out until August, 22th 2006.
http://www.ashampoo-14.com/images_mailing/110806/firewall_en.htm

[archie123]

Tried it last night , passed shields up , failed everything else , my NOD32 AV picked up on more security threats than Ashampoo firewall :o

I have a few Ashampoo products , ill be giving this on miss :dry: back to ZA pro

[Dina]

I have several ashampoo software as well. The burning studio is great, and the logged uninstaller does a good job with cleaning. Pretty underrated in my opinion, but they do a good job.

This one though, i have yet to try.

Dina

[Stro]

I downloaded the Ashampoo Firewall beta trial today. The only way to pull up the program is through the icon on the bottom right system tray. The desktop icons do not work, nor does the Firewall.exe file in C:/Programs/Ashampoo/Ashampoo Firewall.

I went to www.ashampoo.com/support to ask why, but that support website does not yet list the Firewall.

[mercurie]

-{ Quote: "Well either way, i'd give them 10/10 for interface design." }-I agree. ;)

[RobZee]

I just received email that the Ashampoo Firewall v.1 is free.

http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?idstring=0050&session_langid=2

[QBgreen]

-{ Quote: "I just received email that the Ashampoo Firewall v.1 is free.

http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?idstring=0050&session_langid=2" }-

Apparently, they're also going to release a "pro" version of their firewall for $29.00. The Ashampoo site has no details, just a "coming soon" decalration.

[Franklin]

ADSL and router.

Gave the free version a whirl from Download.com.

Constant popup to enter code or continue 10 day trial.

IE and FF granted full access but no connection was possible.Tried different configs but no connect.

Uninstalled,rebooted and still no connection.

Ghosted back to before install with Netveda and no probs now.

Only good thing for me is the GUI.

[Legendkiller]

then why are they claiming it to be free?

[Franklin]

Here's the link I got it from.

Wonder if Stem could check it out for us?

Date added August 23, 2006.

http://www.download.com/Ashampoo-FireWall/3000-10435_4-10575188.html?part=dl-AshampooP&subj=uo&tag=button

[Abeltje]

-{ Quote: "then why are they claiming it to be free?" }-

It is free, you have to request a free code from them. The odd thing was that I was referred to a turkish version of the site to enter my e-mail address.

I installed the firewall to try it out. It runs very smooth, memory usage about 12MB and practically no influence on system perfomance.

Yet, you can see it's in its early stage of developement. To name a few things I noticed:

1) Some applications like Firefox are preconfigured on installation. But when you then use Firefox you are requested to create rules again. The reason seems to be that the file pathes are different, when it pops up the programme path is old dos-style (eg. c:\progra~1\... instead of c:\program files\...)

Generally, i would like to see much more applications preconfigured, similar as the Smart Advisor in Outpost. Also, MSN Messenger was granted full acces, I would rather see it is allowed the known ports it's supposed to use and not more.

2) Second thing is much more concerning. Even though I didn't set up a LAN network, I could still acces the shared files through another computer :s

3) If you've entered a port for an application you cannot change it afterwards (eg. to "block"), you'd first have to delete it and re-add.

For the rest it's a very light and simple firewall. I am searching for sth. like that for quite some time now, either firewalls simply are rubbish, request to much system perfomance (like Outpost), or require quite some knowledge and attention to work properly (Look n Stop, Jetico).

If this firewall gets some more development it could be a real alternative I think. If only the developers keep in mind it's a firewall - and don't include too much nonsense (like for example in ZoneAlarm nowadays). There's for example a process viewer and startup manager already included. The question is whether this adds extra value to the programm being a firewall. Windows Task Manager does the same and a startup manager is rather something for utility programmes I think (like Tuneup).

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Wonder if Stem could check it out for us?" }-Hi Franklin,
I made an intallation, but the many changes/additions made by the firewall to the LSP caused Nod problems, Nod changed/corrected these for its own installation, but then the firewall popped up errors for installed filters.(so this firewall (from this first installation) is no good with Nod)
What AV do you have installed?

I will re-install later on a clean/new O.S. install.

I did have a quick look, I didn`t like how I suddenly got inbound attempt from reserved address, and the fact that the firewall as hard-coded rules (It says these are for the correct running of the system and windows activation,... but still do not like any hard-coded rules in any firewalls)

I will find time later to have a better "play"

[Perman]

Hi, folks: I just noticed that there is a d/l link at majorgeeks.com for a Freeware of said app( what a surprise or NOT?). This is a major deviation from what the wise guy from Ashampoo had said earlier at this thread(10 plus 30 option idea). Hope someone can emerge and clear this air up.:isay:

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "I will find time later to have a better "play"" }-
I have installed this again,.. I dont like how the firewall allows netBIOS/ win updates/ win time connections without user rules to allow,...... these must be some of the "Internal rules(hard coded)" that are allowed by default.

I did set the firewall to "block all", but netBIOS sessions continued, and connections where still attemped for windows time. (I didnt try win updates).

Edit:
I think it still needs more work (and no hard-coded rules)

[tansu]

GRC Leaktest (http://www.doctus.net/showpost.php?p=66803&postcount=6)
Pc flank Leaktest (http://www.doctus.net/showpost.php?p=66807&postcount=8)

[Franklin]

-{ Quote: "Hi Franklin,
What AV do you have installed?
" }-
Thanks for the reply Stem.I have the latest Kav.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "I have the latest Kav." }-Kav can cause problems with firewalls at the best of times. But I installed first Ashampoo, then Kav,... internet connection was lost, removing all http scanning ports and then disabling http scanning in Kav enabled my browser to connect out, but was unable to update KAV. Creating rules for Kav within ashampoo did not help,.. on a re-boot, Ashampoo or Kav would not start (waited for 15 minutes), and no internet connections could be made.

So at the moment, it looks like Ashampoo is not compatible with Kav or Nod. The hard-coded rules within Ashampoo are leaving ports open, allowing outbound connections for windows applications, and the firewall is replying to scans.

[Franklin]

Geez your good Stem and thanks again.:)

Don't think I will look at Ashampoo again.

I do have a hardware firewall and use Netveda to stop MS phoning home.

Even though Netveda is not rated highly it is very stable in running alongside Kav,resource usage is low and it works fine for me so I will stick with it for the time being.

Ah,just noticed Hurricanesoft personal firewall posted by Aigle.

Might have to check it out.LOL;D

[rdsu]

How is the self protection of this firewall?

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "How is the self protection of this firewall?" }-How do you mean? Internal kill, or from external (flooding etc)?
I can set up to see.

[Franklin]

Tried to shut it down through taskmanager with losing the icon from the taskbar but couldn't shutdown the exe.

Not an expert here and really don't know how to test these things.:)

Edit:
oopsies are you asking about Netveda or Ashampoo.

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Tried to shut it down through taskmanager with losing the icon from the taskbar but couldn't shutdown the exe.

Not an expert here and really don't know how to test these things.:)

Edit:
oopsies are you asking about Netveda or Ashampoo." }-Ashampoo,
One of the easiest programs to use to check for internal kill is APT (http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=apt)

[Franklin]

Got it,thanks.:)

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "How do you mean? Internal kill, or from external (flooding etc)?
I can set up to see." }-
Internal kill with APT ;)

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Internal kill with APT ;)" }-Will set up now to check.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "Edit:
oopsies are you asking about Netveda or Ashampoo." }-
Ashampoo.

NetVeda doesn't have it... ;)

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Internal kill with APT ;)" }-The firewall can be killed off easily, even with taskmanager. (It passed some with APT, but due to the firewall not running as a service)

[rdsu]

OK, Thanks :P

I already aspected that...

From what I've been seeing, this firewall still needs a lot of work, but that is normal since it's new...

Do you know if supports ICS?

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "Do you know if supports ICS?" }-Have just set up, and working O.K. But,.. if I set the firewall to "block all" the client can still connect out :o

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "Have just set up, and working O.K. But,.. if I set the firewall to "block all" the client can still connect out :o" }-
;D ;D ;D

How they implemented the rules priority? Like Comodo PF? CHX?

[Stem]

-{ Quote: ";D ;D ;D

How they implemented the rules priority? Like Comodo PF? CHX?" }-The rule system is very basic, just giving rules for remote ports.

[AJohn]

Looks like the firewall needs a lot of work. Will be interesting to see how it does when considering how advanced Comodo is becoming and how advanced Outpost already is.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "The rule system is very basic, just giving rules for remote ports." }-
Very, very basic :)

Thanks

[Chubb]

Review information of Ashampoo Firewall on Softpedia

http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Ashampoo-Firewall-Review-33853.shtml

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "Review information of Ashampoo Firewall on Softpedia

http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Ashampoo-Firewall-Review-33853.shtml" }-
Remember that this is a review from a none expert! ;)

Almost the GUI was reviewed...

[farmerlee]

Not too sure if its been mentioned but ashampoo are giving away free licenses for their firewall for the next few days. Have fun!

http://www.ashampoo-root03.com/webcache/html/1/product_2_0050_.htm

[ccsito]

Firewalls associated with shampoo and hurricanes. What will they think of next? ;D

[sukarof]

I downloaded it and this is my "out of the box" experience:

1. Only stealths three ports on Grc.com (common ports) 135, 139, 445 the rest is "closed"
2. Ashampoo dont show anything in the log (like telling me that grc.com did a scan of my IP) or statistic.
3. It allowes software to connect to the net and download files without question or warning.

I cant find anywhere to enable ports, ICMP, IGMP and so on. But maybe this firewall is meant to be as simple as possible so it doesnt have those options? fair enough, but atleast then it should stealth the IP and block outgoing connection attempts "out of the box". I mean if it is aimed at people who are not supposed to tweak it. So I think this firewall needs more work.

[Ghosteck]

I tested it ,and it failed the Shields up test at Gibsons research,Thats enough for me. It will need more work to become a contender..

[gm69]

Terrific GUI. Full of holes.

[NICK ADSL UK]

Please note that it has been updated
Ashampoo Firewall (1.02, 09/06/2006)
Version 1.02 offers bug fixes and improved startup speed.
http://www.ashampoo-root03.com/webcache/html/1/product_2_0050_.htm

[Stem]

-{ Quote: "I made an intallation, but the many changes/additions made by the firewall to the LSP caused Nod problems, Nod changed/corrected these for its own installation, but then the firewall popped up errors for installed filters.(so this firewall (from this first installation) is no good with Nod)" }-This issue now appears to be resolved with the latest build.

[ccsito]

I think the first poster is the "a-man" or the friendly superhero (note the similarity of the User ID) that convinced the developers to make the program free to all users. As the webpage says "EVERY computer in the world shall be safe!" ;D

[Stro]

I installed Ashampoo FireWall v. 1.10 (the current free version at 9/30/06) and found it will not work with SandboxIE (current version 2.62 at 9/30/06). Clicking on Firefox or IE directly resulted in no problems, but when I called up a browser through SandboxIE, only half the browser loaded (the top part only) and it did not function. This applies to both Internet Explorer and Firefox.

I uninstalled Ashampoo FireWall and installed Comodo Firewall (v.2.3) instead. I can bring up browsers through SandboxIE with Comodo installed without problem.

[dan_maran]

Ashampoo also wrecks the updaters of F-Prot 6 and KAV 5/6. FYI.
It must do something to the TCP/IP stack..... Because even if I turn off the firewall it still will not update. No error logs or connection attempts just update errors. Looks promising and more than likely it will work with the big US companies, AntiVir also works.

[Arin]

Add CA Anti-Virus 2007 to this list of incompatibility.

[Firecat]

Bad news for you guys....Ashampoo's free firewall is not much of a firewall at all. I just checked their website and they are advertising the paid Ashampoo Firewall Pro edition as having most of the features of common firewalls like the following:

- Packet Filtering
- Port Stealthing
- Trojan Ports blocking
- Port scan blocking

So with essential features like the ones above being part of the Pro version, I believe the free edition is pretty much useless as a firewall.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "Bad news for you guys....Ashampoo's free firewall is not much of a firewall at all. I just checked their website and they are advertising the paid Ashampoo Firewall Pro edition as having most of the features of common firewalls like the following:

- Packet Filtering
- Port Stealthing
- Trojan Ports blocking
- Port scan blocking

So with essential features like the ones above bein part of the Pro version, I believe the free edition is pretty much useless as a firewall." }-
Why bother with this when we have a much better available options out there... ;)

[ccsito]

I thought one of the main functions of a firewall was to stealth all of your ports? If not, then why would you need one?

[Firecat]

-{ Quote: "I thought one of the main functions of a firewall was to stealth all of your ports? If not, then why would you need one?" }-
Ashampoo and BitDefender believe that a firewall may also be used for application control and blocking unauthorised incoming and outgoing connections. I say BitDefender because the "firewall" they include in their AntiVirus Plus edition is just application control, unlike the one in their Internet Security edition (which is a complete full-fledged firewall).

[tec505]

Has anyone tried Pro version?
Are there some screenies about it?
Are rules at basic or expert level?:blink:

[Espresso]

It duels with NOD32 for LSP dominance and it blocks Flashget from accessing the net.

[RobZee]

-{ Quote: "Has anyone tried Pro version?
Are there some screenies about it?
Are rules at basic or expert level?:blink:" }-

Rules can be accessed at the main or basic level.
Rob

[RobZee]

Some screenies -

[RobZee]

Ooops- try again-

[RobZee]

More -

[RobZee]

Part of Help-Rules:

[RobZee]

Moreof Edit

[RobZee]

Rules (contd.)

[RobZee]

Again?