Wallwatcher collects, displays and analyses log information from routers and firewalls. I recommend this tool to everyone who uses a firewall and router. Freeware of course download and see for yourself.
Some of the tools features include:
# filters let you choose what data and time periods to log, display, analyze, and chart
# alerts offer real-time visual and audible signals of possible intrusion attempts
# historical analysis helps you find patterns of recent intrusion attempts
# summaries condense log histories for easier review
# user-selectable charts let you spot patterns of suspicious activities.
WallWatcher Firewall and Router Analyzer
WallWatcher is available for all versions of Windows operating systems and this application analyzes log information from over 135 known routers and firewalls made and configured by different manufacturers. Among the list of compatible routers provided at the download site, are some of the most commonly used routers on the market, so it is likely that yours will be compatible. Firewall configuration is an interesting task, to say the least. When you start messing around with this, it can be a never-ending process. Beginners beware and advanced users enjoy. This application can help you find the best fit for your router’s logging format, enabling you to configure filtering properly and set immediate alerts, email alerts, historical forensics and summaries of data collected and chart filters. This gives you the upper hand to specify data that will need to be analyzed, displayed, etc.
Download WallWatcher and you will discover that the GUI is suited for advanced users, but in that sense, the interface provides simple practicality. Note that this is a .zip file with two files, the application and the library. Extract the contents of both in order to get WallWatcher functioning properly. The “Readme.txt” is going to be useful to get this application to work on your machine. If you wish to add it as a permanent feature for your computer, then attach it to the appropriate Program Files folder and set up auto-execution accordingly. Otherwise, save the .zip file and use it as needed, as there is no direct installation involved.
You can read plain-text log files while WallWatcher is running and so can other programs. There is a new log file that initiates each day at midnight collecting bandwidth reports, assuming that your router supports SNMP or includes packet lengths in log records.
Though WallWatcher is not true freeware in the traditional sense, it is currently available for free. The correct term for it is “shareware” and feedback is appreciated to perfect the software design for different operating systems and user needs.
Other features include the ability to identify BEF-series routers that have been logged while your computer has been off or hibernating. This is an obvious advantage for networks and ultimately helps to identify vulnerability issues originating from routers, or even users, rather than system firewall issues alone.
You have the option to submit log reports to DSHIELD.ORG. There is a link provided to download the program required to submit these log reports for review by the WallWatcher website, which prohibitively does not collect personal data and outsource this data. They are not interested in selling your tech-oriented soul for commercial purposes; this is just a way to improve upon the program as users take advantage of it. Only IP addresses, timestamps, and usage statistics are kept.
The reason for this so you can show then if your bandwidth quota is exceeded and you can identify hosts that are overcharging or simply making your network router issues more than you need them to be.
There is much more to the WallWatcher application and the link to the website. Examine all information carefully.
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