What Is a Host Based Firewall and Is it Secure Enough?

A host-based firewall is installed and run on a single device, like a laptop, cell phone, or server. These firewalls are tailored to individual devices so they can monitor and control its specific traffic — as opposed to network-based firewalls, which protect an entire network of devices.

Most consumer devices come with host-based firewalls pre-installed. If you use an HP laptop or an iPhone, you’re already protected by host-based firewalls. Microsoft and Apple provide their own versions of these firewalls and frequently update them to address new cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

Aside from your personal phone and computer, host-based firewalls also play a critical role when it comes to business cybersecurity. Host-based firewalls play a vital role in securing individual endpoints. This level of protection is critical as business networks increasingly accommodate remote workers and cloud applications.

I’ll start with the consumer end of host-based firewalls, and then we’ll cover what businesses need to know about this incredibly important network security tool.

What consumers get with a host-based firewall

As a consumer, the host-based firewall on your phone or laptop gives you a vital default level of protection on your personal devices. Since you probably use your devices for things like banking, investing, and storing important personal info, this built-in protection is crucial.

Host-based firewalls typically come pre-installed, and they’re already designed to guard against a range of common cyber threats. If you’re reading this on a device running Windows or Apple software, you’re probably using a host-based firewall right now.

But how exactly do these firewalls work? Primarily, it comes down to regulating network traffic based on predetermined firewall rules and deciding which applications or services on your device can access the internet and which external sources can connect to your device.

In other words, you can think of host-based firewalls as the “gatekeeper” to your device.

So if you have one of these firewalls installed and go to use an application that requires internet access, like a web browser, the firewall will evaluate this request against its set of rules.

If the application is recognized as safe and allowed internet access under these rules, the firewall permits the connection. But if an unknown program attempts to send data from your laptop to an external server, the firewall can block this outgoing traffic, preventing potential data theft or other malicious activities.

Similarly, if unsolicited traffic tries to access your device from the internet—say, a hacking attempt targeting vulnerable ports on your laptop—the firewall can deny this connection, keeping your device secure.

This ongoing monitoring and regulation of incoming and outgoing traffic, based on established security rules, is how host-based firewalls actively protect your devices from a variety of cyber threats.

That said, while host-based firewalls are effective at managing traffic and blocking unsolicited connections, they may not be as equipped to handle more advanced threats like phishing attacks or malware that a user might unknowingly download.

For consumers using home networks or connecting to public Wi-Fi in places like airports, a host-based firewall provides a necessary security measure. It’s your first line of defense, particularly in public settings where network security is uncertain.

But relying solely on your host-based firewall isn’t recommended; it should be part of a broader security approach that includes antimalware software and following online safety basics.

What businesses need from a host-based firewall

In a corporate environment, host-based firewalls need to do more heavy lifting beyond basic traffic filtering. They should provide advanced security features to make sure you’re protected against sophisticated cyber threats.

Advanced functionality

If you’re using a host-based firewall in a business setting, it should use advanced features like deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention systems.

Deep packet inspection (DPI) essentially delves into the contents of the data packets traversing your network. This means that not only are the headers of packets scrutinized, but so is their payload – the actual data being transmitted.

For example, DPI can uncover a seemingly harmless email attachment carrying hidden malware, allowing the firewall to block it before it compromises the network. To borrow an analogy from a physical package, it’s akin to checking not just the address on a package but also carefully inspecting its contents.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), on the other hand, are basically sentinels or watchmen for your network. They’re constantly monitoring network traffic, looking for patterns or activities indicative of a cyberattack.

Suppose an IPS detects an unusual number of requests to a particular server within the network, resembling a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. If that’s the case, it can immediately take action to block this traffic, often before users even notice any disruption.

Behavioral analytics and anomaly detection enable firewalls to learn what “normal” device behavior looks like and detect deviations that might indicate a security threat.

For example, if an employee’s laptop suddenly starts transmitting large amounts of encrypted data at unusual hours, a host-based firewall can identify this as anomalous behavior and alert the security team or block the activity automatically.

Application-level control refers to the ability to manage and enforce firewall rules based on specific applications within network traffic.

For example, a firewall could allow access to a specific application like Slack for communication while blocking unauthorized file-sharing apps that pose a security risk.

Centralized management

Effective host-based firewalls should offer centralized management for businesses to easily monitor and configure devices at scale. Features like role-based access controls and automated updates ensure that IT teams can maintain security without manual oversight on every device.

This is particularly valuable for organizations with a distributed workforce, as they can scale protection without compromising efficiency. Learn more about best practices for firewall management.

Integration with broader security frameworks

A host-based firewall must integrate seamlessly with other network security software, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems. This ensures that all layers of the security architecture communicate effectively, enabling quick threat detection and coordinated responses.

Endpoint protection

Businesses often deploy host-based firewalls on endpoints like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, which are critical for remote and hybrid workforces. These firewalls offer device-specific security, preventing threats even when employees connect through unsecured networks.

For example, a remote employee working from a café with public Wi-Fi remains protected from threats such as unauthorized access or data interception. Additionally, firewalls can be tailored to specific device usage, like safeguarding graphic designers who frequently transfer large files.

In industries that rely heavily on Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, smart cities), host-based firewalls are used to protect these devices from cyber threats. IoT devices are a common target for hackers, due to their connectivity and often limited security features. Host-based firewalls can be installed to prevent IoT devices from connecting to other devices outside the network.

Do you always need a host-based firewall?

If your business already has a robust IT security framework — network firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and other advanced security measures — you may wonder: is a host-based firewall still necessary?

I say yes, one hundred percent.

First of all, why not? What’s the downside to running a simple host-based firewall on every device connected to your network?

A comprehensive IT security policy benefits from multiple layers of protection, and a host-based firewall is one of the most effective layers to secure individual devices, particularly when they are used outside your corporate network.

While EDR systems and antimalware software are crucial for detecting threats and blocking malicious activity, a host-based firewall provides the first line of defense by monitoring device-specific traffic.

Even with a secure network perimeter, devices are vulnerable to attacks when employees work remotely or use unsecured public networks. Host-based firewalls offer device-level security by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic specific to that device. For instance, when an employee connects to a public Wi-Fi network, the host-based firewall ensures the device remains protected from attacks such as data interception or unauthorized access.

Remote work security has been one of the biggest challenges for many organizations. A host-based firewall is a simple solution to offer basic protections to employee devices, regardless of where they are.