Big news for Linux-based NAS server users and geeky internet users; the IPFire team has announced the release of IPFire 2.29 Core Update 189, a major update in order to strengthen security, improve performance, and enhance the user experience. The experts and developers have claimed that the new version is designed with a more stable kernel, enhanced security, and more advanced firewall administration.
The IPFire mechanism was created as an open-source, Linux-based firewall operating system. IPFire continues its development as a strong alternative for network security and routing, offering features that attract both professionals and small businesses.
The IPFire 2.29 Core Update 189 introduces updated Linux firmware (version 20240811) for improved hardware compatibility, fixes live graph updates, and brings enhanced software packages like GCC 14.2.0, OpenSSL 3.3.2, and OpenVPN 2.5.10. It also adds new tools like autoconf-archive and libxxhash 1.4.0 for better system performance.
This 2024 release comes with an improved Linux kernel at version 6.6.63, with the latest security updates and improvements in stability. This is likely the final update based on the 6.6.x kernel series, ensuring long-term stability and robustness.
IPFire has taken significant steps to improve security by deprecating RSA keys in favor of the web UI and SSH administration. The new installations will now start using Elliptic Curve Cryptography algorithms, which are way more secure than before, to raise the bar to protect against any probable threats out there.
Keeping up with technology, the IPFire now uses post-quantum cryptography when doing SSH key exchange. The sntrup761x25519-sha512 algorithms and mlkem768x25519-sha256 have already been implemented to build the system for upcoming cryptographic challenges.
On the security side of this latest version of IPFire 2.29, the firewall rules are updated and armed with extra layers. Fixed issues with the new SYN Flood Protection feature for better operation.
The RED interface configuration is also added with the latest version of IPFire 2.29 as a new option to disable the RFC4039 Rapid Commit feature in order to improve compatibility with certain ISP setups.
During the entire update, the extra layer of Add-ons and packages came just like an extra layer of cheese on the festival time; the IPFire 2.29 Core Update 189 brings a number of updated packages, OpenSSH 9.9p1, cURL 8.10.0, and Squid 6.12. WiFi functionality has been optimized with default neighborhood scanning and better channel selection, improving connectivity.
However, in the streamlining process, some old packages, like mpfire and lcdproc, were dropped in order to concentrate development on more common features. The IPFire team has stated that CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) will be removed in the next two core updates. The IPFire is a reliable, open-source firewall with strong security and advanced cryptography. It supports many add-ons, making the operating system versatile and user-friendly for trusted network protection.
