Systems and Cybersecurity: An Evaluation of pfSense as a Security Tool

This report provides an in-depth evaluation of pfSense, an open-source firewall and router, as a cybersecurity tool. It begins by introducing the increasing importance of cybersecurity and the challenges faced in defending against evolving cyber threats. The report then describes pfSense, highlighting its features, ease of installation, and various applications, including its use as a WAN/LAN router, VPN router, and firewall. A scenario is presented where pfSense is used to set up an intrusion detection system using Snort, detailing the installation and configuration process with screenshots. The evaluation section discusses the advantages of pfSense, such as its stability, advanced features, and positive user reviews, along with its capabilities in filtering IP protocols and managing network traffic. The report concludes by emphasizing pfSense's role in enhancing cybersecurity through its various functionalities and its ability to adapt to different network environments.