Gufw
What it is
Gufw is a graphical interface for Ubuntu’s Uncomplicated Firewall, or UFW, providing a visual way to configure firewall rules. It lets users set TCP and UDP port rules with Allow, Deny, Reject, and Limit actions. When the firewall is enabled, the documented default policy denies incoming traffic and allows outgoing traffic. UFW also includes preconfigured programs and services that can simplify adding rules. Gufw is Linux software, free to use and licensed under GPL-3.0. It can be installed with the gufw package from the Universe repository. Some options depend on version and setup: Gufw 14.10 or higher can show a Routed option for forwarding rules when IP forwarding is configured, while version 13.10.2 or higher can be used on a remote computer through an exported X display. Ubuntu community documentation describes Gufw as a frontend for beginners. Take care when enabling the firewall over SSH: if an SSH rule has not been added first, the connection can close.
For and against
For
- Configures TCP and UDP port rules visually
- Offers Allow, Deny, Reject, and Limit actions
- UFW includes preconfigured programs and services
- Free and licensed under GPL-3.0
Against
- Enabling it over SSH without an SSH rule can close the connection
- Routed option requires version 14.10 or higher and IP forwarding
- Remote use requires version 13.10.2 or higher and exported X display
The verdict
Gufw presents UFW rule configuration through a graphical interface and is described as suitable for beginners. Check the SSH caution and version-specific requirements before relying on remote or forwarding options.
Who it suits
Gufw is suited to Linux users, especially Ubuntu beginners who want a graphical frontend for UFW. It is an on-premises firewall interface rather than a multi-vendor tool.
Plans and prices
Gufw
No paid plans or usage limits stated
Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Audience
- Ubuntu community documentation describes Gufw as a graphical frontend to UFW and recommends it for beginners.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Default policy
- The Ubuntu community guide says enabling the firewall sets incoming traffic to Deny and outgoing traffic to Allow by default.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Firewall rules
- The Ubuntu community guide says Gufw lets users configure TCP and UDP port rules with Allow, Deny, Reject, and Limit actions.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The Ubuntu community guide says Gufw can be installed with the gufw package from the Universe repository.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as GPL-3.0 licensed.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Preconfigured services
- The Ubuntu community guide says UFW includes preconfigured programs and services to simplify adding rules.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Gufw is a graphical user interface for Ubuntu's Uncomplicated Firewall.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Remote use
- The Ubuntu community guide says Gufw 13.10.2 or higher can be used on a remote computer through an exported X display.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Gufw is a graphical frontend for UFW, Ubuntu's uncomplicated firewall tool.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Routing
- The Ubuntu community guide says Gufw 14.10 or higher can show a Routed option for forwarding rules when IP forwarding is configured.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- SSH caution
- The Ubuntu community guide warns that enabling the firewall over SSH without first adding an SSH rule can close the SSH connection.help.ubuntu.com · read 9 Oct 2026
