PC Tools Firewall & Private Firewall fail in GRC Leak Test

[sujay]

It is true that PC Tools firewall and Private Firewall fail in GRC Leak Test. I have tested this more than once in different computers. Many Firewalls like ZoneAlarm, Online Armour, Windows 7 Firewall Control, Outpost, Comodo pass in this test.
I googled about this and found something at PC Tools forum

I was surprised that PCTools firewall seems to fail the GRC leaktest, after all the most basic of leaktests (I believe the very first ever written when outbound filtering was still a novelty).
However, after running Ethereal (packet sniffer) I discovered that no packets were sent to the GRC server (with which the leaktest communicates during testing).

I even ran a different packet sniffer and the results were the same.
For some strange reason the GRC leaktest keeps saying that PCTools firewall was unable to block communication attempts with their server even though no actual contact was made.

I also tried to block all traffics by PC Tools Firewall and then run Leak Test. It passes then also...

Your comments please guys....

[bivas600]

i dont have a huge knowledge about pc tool firewall but i once use that and found very unimpressive. ur windows firewall is better than that and pass the leak test. but one thing i want to say that dont rely on grc leak test because those methods are very old and hackers have found many others ways . but for my suggestion u can use comodo,outpost free or pro which is certainly better than other paid firewall.but when u feel nothing works for u just turn on the windows firewall and take a deep breath

[sujay]

@bivas600: Thanks for your reply. But windows firewall is unable to pass in that test because it restricts only inbound traffic.
PC Tools Firewall has a good reputation and so has Private Firewall (Updated version of Webroot Firewall). GRC leaktest is a very basic and old suite. So, I was surprising why those are still leaking it.

[sujay]

All the three names have free version with sufficient protection..

[bivas600]

dont get so paranoid about ur security. use a standard firewall like outpost free with sandboxie which is according to me is enough to protect u.

[sujay]

I am not getting paranoid. Just wanted to share this fact with you... I am with any firewall that provide me sufficient inbound protection. But many people use PC Tools and Private Firewall here. So, may it's on them to think about.

[akhil]

recent version 7 which i tested clears grc leak test
to test just set the firewall level to default
the process monitor to high
then download and try running grc or any other leak tests available HPS portion blocks and askes for permission to run (with option to block ) and this way the test terminates
private firewall is basically a HIPS with firewall add in so i think must be treated as such
thank you

[sujay]

recent version 7 which i tested clears grc leak test
to test just set the firewall level to default
the process monitor to high
then download and try running grc or any other leak tests available HPS portion blocks and askes for permission to run (with option to block ) and this way the test terminates
private firewall is basically a HIPS with firewall add in so i think must be treated as such
thank you

Private firewall is an excellent firewall. Problem is that I tested it with training mode on. It blocks GRC test, but not PC tools.

[Ceyfer √]

If it failed on that test, then just be cautious. If you're fine using it then be it. It won't harm your box but psychologically maybe...

Windows default firewall user ( configured ) and I'm fine with it.

[sujay]

It won't harm your box but psychologically maybe....

Yep, that's why I stopped using it...

Windows default firewall user ( configured ) and I'm fine with it.

Ceyfer will you please you post about some tweaks/configuration tips about windows firewall?