With ConfigServer Firewall (CSF) officially retired, a new chapter in Linux server security has begun. Security software provider cPGuard has just announced the release of its fully re-engineered, standalone firewall module — a modern replacement for CSF, built entirely on nftables for improved speed, scalability, and efficiency.
For over a decade, CSF has been the go-to firewall for web hosts and server administrators worldwide. However, its discontinuation has left many looking for a reliable alternative. cPGuard’s new firewall aims to fill that gap with a solution that’s not only future-ready but also backward-compatible, offering a seamless migration path from existing CSF setups.
According to the official announcement, the new cPGuard Firewall introduces several key features including SYN flood defense, DoS mitigation, AI-based bot blocking, and country-based access controls, all integrated directly into the platform. Administrators can now easily manage open ports, block or allow IPs, and adjust firewall rules through both the cPGuard dashboard and command line interface — eliminating the need for complex manual configurations.
One of the first hosting companies to explore this new solution is RackNerd, a global infrastructure provider known for its high-performance VPS and dedicated server offerings. RackNerd founder Dustin shared that his team has already begun testing the new firewall on shared hosting servers. He praised the nftables-based approach for its enhanced efficiency and modern architecture, calling it “a promising successor to CSF.”
Industry experts agree that as hosting environments evolve toward higher automation and lower latency, legacy iptables-based systems are showing their age. The move to nftables marks a significant step toward a more optimized, secure, and performance-driven hosting landscape.
With this release, cPGuard positions itself as a strong contender to become the industry’s next default firewall solution — offering simplicity, automation, and robust protection for both small administrators and large-scale providers.