New "improved" firewall

[cavehomme1]

Today I received an update of the new "improved" firewall and other features in Antivirus Plus:

1.  no HIPS, although that disappeared last year I think.

2.  no Netguard

3. no Smart configurations

4. no Secure Apps, a useful cross-check to ensure that my apps are auto-updating.

5. no App boost which actually did unexpectedly improve my Firefox browser speed.

1 to 4 are all security related, and important for those of us who use laptops and travel a lot.

Yesterday I received a prompt reminder of my McAfee renewal. Since this company has lost its way, I won't be renewing, sadly.

[The_Eagle_007]

I agree that new Firewall seems weak and has no features as it has before. Also secure apps feature or a vulnerability scanner is a must in any AV. Sad that they kind of downgraded the product with new updates.

[Venkat_YM]

Hi @cavehomme1 

Greetings from McAfee.

In the new versions of LiveSafe and Total Protection, we've included a new firewall implementation. Here, McAfee Firewall works with Windows Defender Firewall to provide your computer with comprehensive and effective protection of inbound and outbound threats. For more information refer our below article.

McAfee Advanced Firewall

Alternatively, you can always contact chat support using the link below for immediate assistance or call our helpline number 24/7 (866-622-3911)US.

McAfee Support

If this information was helpful in any way or answered your question, please mark it as the accepted solution and give Kudos if appropriate.

Regards,
Venkat

Firewall 

[The_Eagle_007]

It would be nice to have McAfee checking the inbound traffic as well. As it was working before the new update. In previous versions it showed that how many risky connections (incoming connections) are blocked. So kindly reinstate the same Firewall. It even had options to manually stop the incoming or outgoing connections of any app or for the whole system. A firewall with no manual options is of no good. 

[EWS_Fsociety]

Hello,

The disappearance of the HIPS is a great regret.
Indeed, being just an overlay of the Windows firewall does not seem to me to be the safest. Indeed, it is this one that Malware developers will try to circumvent. I understood however, that it costs much less in development at McAfee.
It would be interesting to have the location of the active process, because there, it's a bit like the directory.
Personally, I deplore the disappearance of many features as indicated in the previous post, and the disappearance of parental control in Total Protection and LiveSafe, making McAfee products financially much less interesting than the competition, and especially less complete (We don't can't even password protect the McAfee configuration).
The competition works hard and offers fairly complete products. And less expensive. Besides, I see that the request for reimbursement is frequent on the forum and therefore at a cost for McAfee. It might be wise to review this system.

EWS.

[Venkat_YM]

Hi @EWS_Fsociety 

Greetings from McAfee.

Based on the users feedback the latest UI has been deplyoed. However, feedbacks from the users are always welcome. I will take this concern to the respective team. Thank you for the valuabe feedback.

Regards,
Venkat

[cavehomme1]

Which users have you received feedback regarding the UI and removal of features?

Many users will be happy to have a "dumbed down" application which just takes care of security and doesn't bother them, but many McAfee users are IT people or those who need to configure their security. You could provide an app for both groups, simply allowing power users to do whatever they need under "advanced settings" for example.

But this is probably really about saving development and support costs at McAfee. Thankfully there are other products out there which cater for advanced user needs. McAfee may save money, but you will lose revenue too.

[EWS_Fsociety]

Hello,

I think there are indeed "minimal options" to have in the product. I also come back to the annoying commercial pop-ups when working on your computer, an option could allow you to deactivate them if you wish. A dark theme would be great, because when you launch the product interface it's painful for the eyes (McAfee gamer security has a dark theme so it's possible). What I wanted to say, and other users too, is that we are a little more complex than a blue card. We are often managing the safety of our families, and having removed the parental control, I am not sure to renew the product. My kids are growing up, and with a second of inattention could change the product security settings as they are not password protected. With other security vendors, we can discuss with (and possibly understand the constraints of) the developer. McAfee was already forced to sell its pro branch which became Trellix to absorb part of its debt, many do not want the company to disappear, but I am afraid that your new range will not change the situation, especially if this range continues to be linked to a trade policy of the 1990s. Other settings, Microsoft offers a free antivirus and several security tools embedded in Windows. People are getting more and more comfortable with their machines as generations of children have grown into adults. Do you believe that they will continue to spend 100 euros per year for a product less complete than those of windows? I do not think so. As I said, the competition is evolving, even offering a web console to manage all the family's devices, very practical for the family's admin dad 🙂 Sales management should hear this message...but I have low hopes, but in an increasingly connected world, we cannot be satisfied with limited and non-configurable protection. This is not a criticism, to criticize, but just a feeling that wants to try to be constructive. If we didn't love McAfee we wouldn't be here...But sometimes love breaks, and we start a new life with someone else...

Cordially,

EWS.

[cavehomme1]

Very well said EWS.

[EWS_Fsociety]

Thanks ! 🙂