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Is SimpleWall Safe? A Warning About Possible Security Risks
Let’s talk about SimpleWall—a handy tool for managing Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). If you’ve been using it, you might want to pay close attention to this. There’s some chatter about potential security issues surrounding the software.
A reader flagged that SimpleWall might have been hacked. I couldn’t find solid proof, but there are some concerning signs:
- The developer archived the GitHub repository on February 19, 2025. No updates since then.
- A suspicious website mimicking SimpleWall has surfaced, targeting unsuspecting users.
What Is SimpleWall?
SimpleWall is a free tool designed to simplify firewall management on Windows. Think of it as a bridge between you and your computer’s network traffic. It lets you control which apps can access the internet, all through an easy-to-use interface.
Key features include:
- Configuring network activity with precision.
- Creating custom rules for internet traffic control.
- Lightweight and donation-funded, making it accessible for most users.
But here’s the twist—things aren’t looking great for its future.
Repository Archived: Cause for Concern?
The GitHub repository hosting SimpleWall was marked as archived by the developer on February 19, 2025. This means no more updates or active development. While no official reason has been provided, this change has sparked speculation online.
A thread on Hacker News titled “SimpleWall Has Been Discontinued” has been circulating for over a week, suggesting the software may no longer be supported.
Has SimpleWall Been Hacked?
A German reader reached out with a worrying observation: “The website of the excellent SimpleWall open-source firewall for Windows has been hacked.” According to them:
- The GitHub repository was write-protected by the developer on February 19, 2025.
- There’s no alternative software offering similar functionality that is open-source, lightweight, and donation-funded.
While I couldn’t verify claims of a hack directly from GitHub, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Fake Website Alert
Another alarming discovery—the URL simplewall[.]org appears to be a phishing site masquerading as the official SimpleWall page. This fake site could trick users into downloading compromised files or sharing sensitive information.
The issue has even been documented in GitHub’s bug tracker under entry #1954 titled “Phishing website claiming to be Simplewall.”
What Should You Do?
If you’re currently using SimpleWall, take these steps to protect yourself:
Verify Downloads
Always check file hashes and use GPG verification before installing updates or new versions. The public key is hosted externally—double-check its source!
Avoid Suspicious Links
Stay away from websites like simplewall[.]org or any unofficial pages claiming to represent SimpleWall.
Monitor Updates
Keep an eye on discussions in forums like Hacker News for any developments regarding the software’s status or alternatives.
It’s unclear whether SimpleWall has been compromised or simply discontinued due to other reasons. Either way, these red flags shouldn’t be ignored. If you rely on this tool, take extra precautions when downloading or updating it. You deserve software that keeps your system secure—not something that adds risks to your digital life.