// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Guardian Firewall say? "I'm wall-ing you out.
 | This article contains promotional content. (February 2026) |
| Guardian Firewall | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sudo Security Group |
| Release | June 2019 |
| Operating system | iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Fire OS |
| Type | Virtual private network, Firewall, Privacy software |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | guardianapp |
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
- ↑ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
- ↑ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
- ↑ "About Guardian". Guardian Firewall.
- ↑ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
- ↑ "Legendary iPhone hacker weighs in on Apple's war with the FBI". Yahoo News. February 18, 2016.
- ↑ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
- ↑ "A security researcher discovered AccuWeather app tracked, shared your location — even if you 'opt out'". The Washington Post. August 23, 2017.
- ↑ Sorrel, Charlie (August 5, 2019). "Guardian VPN privacy app for iOS now open to the public, including lite version". 9to5Mac.
- ↑ Gruber, John (June 17, 2019). "Introducing Guardian Firewall for iOS". Daring Fireball.
- ↑ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
- ↑ "DNSFilter Provides a Better Secure Web Gateway with Guardian" (Press release). Business Wire. August 10, 2022.
- ↑ Page, Carly (August 10, 2022). "DNSFilter acquires iOS firewall app Guardian". TechCrunch.
- ↑ Fleishman, Glenn (March 20, 2019). "This ingenious new iPhone app is a powerful way to foil data snoops". Fast Company.
- ↑ "Brave and Guardian launch new system-wide firewall and VPN for iOS". TechRadar. July 27, 2020.
- ↑ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
- ↑ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
- ↑ "Guardian Firewall + VPN". Apple Inc.
- ↑ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
- ↑ "Guardian App: A DNSFilter Product". DNSFilter.
- ↑ Gruber, John (June 17, 2019). "Introducing Guardian Firewall for iOS". Daring Fireball.
- ↑ "Brave VPN: The secure, fast VPN, right in your browser". Brave Software.
- ↑ "Brave's built-in VPN is updated with new features, additional servers, and more subscription options". Brave Blog. October 30, 2024.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "Brave and Guardian launch new system-wide firewall and VPN for iOS". TechRadar. July 27, 2020.
- ↑ "Brave and Guardian Team Up Again to Integrate the Brave Android Browser with Guardian Firewall + VPN" (Press release). Brave Software. May 24, 2022.
- ↑ "Guardian and Brave Browser Partnership". Guardian Firewall.