Firewalla has released Firewalla App 1.69, which introduces a new AI-assisted approach to network security alongside advanced phishing protection, simplified security management, and expanded network visibility.
Available across Firewalla’s family of security appliances, App 1.69 introduces Advanced Threat Filtering, protection against lookalike (Punycode) phishing domains, automatic blocking of newly registered domains commonly associated with cybercrime, AI-powered explanations for security alarms, and a redesigned Controls experience that makes enterprise-grade network security easier to configure and manage.
App 1.69 introduces Advanced Threat Filtering, a centralized security feature that simplifies deploying multiple layers of network protection.
The new Controls interface allows administrators to enable advanced threat filtering, region blocking, content filtering, and bypass prevention through a unified management experience while still providing the flexibility to apply policies to individual devices, users, groups, or entire networks.
The release also introduces protection against lookalike (Punycode) domains, an increasingly common phishing technique that uses visually similar international characters to imitate legitimate websites. These deceptive domains are frequently used to steal login credentials and personal information by convincing users they are visiting trusted websites.
App 1.69 further expands Firewalla’s proactive defenses by adding Newly Registered Domains (NRD) protection. Since newly created domains are commonly used during the early stages of phishing campaigns, malware distribution, and other cyberattacks, Firewalla can automatically block access to domains registered within the previous 14 days, reducing exposure to emerging threats before reputation services identify them.
AI That Explains Security Events
Firewalla App 1.69 also expands the company’s AI capabilities with Firewalla AI for Security Alarms. Rather than simply notifying users that suspicious activity has occurred, Firewalla AI can analyze supported security alarms, explain why an event was flagged, identify the destination involved, and provide additional context to help users better understand potential risks. Firewalla AI is entirely optional. It activates only when users request an explanation for a specific alarm and never operates continuously in the background.
Simplified Management
Beyond its security enhancements, App 1.69 improves how users monitor and manage their networks. The release introduces a redesigned Controls page that consolidates several security features into a more intuitive interface while separating content filtering and bypass prevention for greater policy flexibility.
The app also includes a new Unified Network Manager, bringing Networks, Wi-Fi, and Topology management into a single location. Additional enhancements include Network Health monitoring, improved Rules visibility with usage statistics, combined live throughput for dual-WAN deployments, enhanced device discovery, device filtering, improved Device Active Protect statistics, and easier access to recently used devices and features.
For users deploying secure remote connectivity, App 1.69 also adds official support for AmneziaWG 2.0, which provides improved VPN capabilities for environments where conventional VPN traffic may be restricted. Together, these enhancements give administrators greater visibility into network activity while reducing the complexity of day-to-day network management.
Availability
Firewalla App 1.69 is now available. Some features require Firewalla Box version 1.983 or later and are supported on Firewalla Purple, Purple SE, Gold, Gold SE, Gold Plus, Gold Pro, and Orange appliances. iOS users will receive the update through a phased rollout over the coming days. Release notes are at: https://help.firewalla.com/hc/en-us/articles/51621318006291-Firewalla-App-Release-1-69-New-Controls-with-Advanced-Threat-Filtering-Lookalike-Punycode-Domains-and-more.
For more information, visit www.firewalla.com.
