Guardian Firewall

Guardian Firewall
DeveloperSudo Security Group
Initial releaseJune 2019 (2019-06)
Operating systemiOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Fire OS
TypeVirtual private network, Firewall, Privacy software
LicenseProprietary
Websiteguardianapp.com

Guardian Firewall is a privacy-focused application that combines virtual private network (VPN) and firewall functionality to block data and location trackers on mobile and desktop devices.[1][2] Developed by Sudo Security Group and founded by security researcher Will Strafach, the application is available for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Fire OS platforms.[3][4]

History

Guardian Firewall was founded in 2013 by Will Strafach, a security researcher and former iPhone jailbreaker known by the alias "Chronic."[5][6] The company gained prominence in 2017 when Strafach discovered that the AccuWeather mobile application was transmitting precise user location data to third-party companies without user permission.[7][8]

The Guardian Firewall application became publicly available in June 2019, initially launching for iOS devices.[9][10] The application subsequently expanded to additional platforms including macOS, Android, Windows, and Fire OS.

In August 2022, Guardian was acquired by DNSFilter, a provider of DNS-based web content filtering and threat protection.[11][12] Following the acquisition, Guardian continued to operate as a standalone application while integrating DNSFilter's AI-powered DNS security features.[13]

Functionality

Guardian Firewall operates by routing device traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel to Guardian's servers, where the system identifies and blocks unauthorized tracking attempts.[14][15] The application blocks connections to location trackers, email trackers, and data collection services while encrypting network traffic using AES-256 encryption.[16][17]

The software supports both IKEv2 and WireGuard VPN protocols.[18][19]

Privacy

Guardian Firewall operates on a no-logs policy, stating that it does not collect or store user activity data, connection logs, or personally identifiable information.[20][21] The service underwent independent security audits by security firm Assured in 2024 to verify its privacy practices and infrastructure configurations.[22][23]

Brave Browser Partnership

In July 2020, Guardian partnered with Brave Software to integrate Guardian's firewall and VPN technology into the Brave web browser.[24][25] The integration, branded as Brave Firewall + VPN, provides system-wide protection beyond browser traffic and is available across Brave's iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows applications.[26][27]

See also

References

  1. ^ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
  2. ^ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
  3. ^ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
  4. ^ "About Guardian". Guardian Firewall.
  5. ^ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
  6. ^ "Legendary iPhone hacker weighs in on Apple's war with the FBI". Yahoo News. February 18, 2016.
  7. ^ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
  8. ^ "A security researcher discovered AccuWeather app tracked, shared your location — even if you 'opt out'". The Washington Post. August 23, 2017.
  9. ^ Sorrel, Charlie (August 5, 2019). "Guardian VPN privacy app for iOS now open to the public, including lite version". 9to5Mac.
  10. ^ Gruber, John (June 17, 2019). "Introducing Guardian Firewall for iOS". Daring Fireball.
  11. ^ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
  12. ^ "DNSFilter Provides a Better Secure Web Gateway with Guardian" (Press release). Business Wire. August 10, 2022.
  13. ^ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
  14. ^ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
  15. ^ "Brave and Guardian launch new system-wide firewall and VPN for iOS". TechRadar. July 27, 2020.
  16. ^ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
  17. ^ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
  18. ^ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
  19. ^ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
  20. ^ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
  21. ^ Gruber, John (June 17, 2019). "Introducing Guardian Firewall for iOS". Daring Fireball.
  22. ^ "Brave VPN: The secure, fast VPN, right in your browser". Brave Software.
  23. ^ "Brave's built-in VPN is updated with new features, additional servers, and more subscription options". Brave Blog. October 30, 2024.
  24. ^ "Brave and Guardian Partner to Integrate Brave iOS Browser with Guardian Firewall + VPN, to Power the Fastest, Safest Browsing Experience" (Press release). Brave Software. July 27, 2020.
  25. ^ "Brave and Guardian launch new system-wide firewall and VPN for iOS". TechRadar. July 27, 2020.
  26. ^ "Brave and Guardian Team Up Again to Integrate the Brave Android Browser with Guardian Firewall + VPN" (Press release). Brave Software. May 24, 2022.
  27. ^ "Guardian and Brave Browser Partnership". Guardian Firewall.
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