Firewalla App 1.69 adds AI threat analysis & phishing

Firewalla has released App 1.69 for its network security appliances, adding AI-assisted threat analysis and new phishing protections.

The update introduces advanced threat filtering, lookalike domain protection and automatic blocking of newly registered domains, along with changes to the app's management interface.

One of the main additions is Advanced Threat Filtering, which brings several security settings into a single control area. Administrators can use the redesigned interface to enable region blocking, content filtering and bypass prevention, while still applying policies to individual devices, users, groups or entire networks.

Firewalla has also added protection against Punycode domains, a phishing technique that uses international characters resembling standard letters to imitate trusted web addresses. These domains are commonly used to trick users into revealing login credentials or other personal information.

The update expands those protections with blocking for newly registered domains. Under the new setting, the system can block domains created within the previous 14 days, which are often used in the early stages of phishing campaigns, malware distribution and other cyberattacks.

AI analysis

The release also adds AI explanations for security alarms. Instead of only flagging suspicious activity, the system can analyse supported alerts, explain why an event was identified, name the destination involved and provide context about the potential risk.

The AI function is optional and activates only when a user requests an explanation for a specific alarm. It does not run continuously in the background.

"Every year, cyber threats become more sophisticated and more difficult to identify," said Jerry Chen, Co-Founder, Firewalla. "With App 1.69, we're making it easier for users to stay ahead of those threats by combining proactive protection, AI-assisted analysis, and simplified management into a single experience. Our goal is to help people spend less time configuring security and more time staying protected."

Chen said the AI alarm feature was designed to make security alerts easier to understand.

"Security alerts shouldn't require users to become cybersecurity experts," said Chen. "By using AI to explain what happened and why it matters, we're helping customers make better decisions while remaining in complete control of how AI is used."

Management changes

Beyond threat controls, App 1.69 changes how networks are monitored and administered. The redesigned Controls page groups several security functions together, while separating content filtering and bypass prevention into distinct settings.

A new Unified Network Manager brings network, Wi-Fi and topology management into one part of the app. The release also adds network health monitoring, more detailed rules visibility with usage statistics, and combined live throughput reporting for dual-WAN deployments.

Other changes include improved device discovery and filtering, more detailed Device Active Protect statistics, and faster access to recently used devices and features. For remote connectivity, the app now officially supports AmneziaWG 2.0, a VPN option intended for environments where standard VPN traffic may face restrictions.

The release applies across Firewalla's range of security appliances, although some functions require Firewalla Box version 1.983 or later. Supported hardware includes Purple, Purple SE, Gold, Gold SE, Gold Plus, Gold Pro and Orange devices.

Firewalla describes the update as part of a broader expansion of its platform, including Zero Trust networking, VqLAN segmentation, wireless products and switching products. It says it serves professionals, businesses and advanced users in more than 100 countries.

"Security isn't a feature you add once," said Chen. "It's a platform that has to evolve continuously as attackers evolve. App 1.69 represents another major step in helping our customers stay ahead of modern threats while making advanced cybersecurity more accessible than ever."