Bad IPs Blocking on pfSense with ELLIO Threat Lists

 

Securing your network perimeter is more critical than ever. Attackers constantly probe and exploit vulnerabilities, often faster than traditional defenses can react. By combining pfSense with ELLIO Threat Lists, you can block malicious IPs in real time and stay ahead of evolving threats.

Why Use ELLIO for IP Blocking?

ELLIO provides one of the largest, fastest, and most advanced external IP blocklists available today. Unlike traditional feeds that update every hour, ELLIO refreshes its lists every 1–5 minutes, rotating over 10% of IPs daily. This ensures you’re protected against the latest active malicious IPs, botnets, and mass exploitation campaigns.

ELLIO blocklists are compatible with multiple platforms, including pfSense, OPNSense, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, Cisco, F5, and ntopng.

Available Blocklists:

• Threat List MAX – 175,000–400,000 entities, updated every minute.

• Threat List ONE – 40,000–90,000 entities, updated every 5 minutes.

• Free Community Blocklist – 25,000 entities, updated every 5 minutes.

⚙️ Step-by-Step Setup on pfSense

Part 1 – Install pfBlockerNG

1. Go to System → Package Manager.

2. Search for pfBlockerNG (choose the standard version for production).

3. Click Install → Confirm → Success.

Part 2 – Configure pfBlockerNG

1. Navigate to Firewall → pfBlockerNG.

2. Run the Wizard.

3. Select inbound/outbound interfaces.

4. Assign a VIP Address (unused private IP).

5. Finish setup.

Part 3 – Add ELLIO Threat List

1. Go to Firewall → pfBlockerNG → IP → IPv4 → Add.

2. Enter feed details (name, source link, format = Auto, state = ON).

3. Set Action = Deny Inbound.

4. Choose Update Frequency = Every Hour.

5. Run Update to load the feed.

Part 4 – Validate Setup

• Check Firewall → Rules → WAN for pfB_ aliases.

• View blocked IPs under Firewall → pfBlockerNG → Reports → Alerts.

What You Get in the ELLIO Free Trial

The ELLIO free trial gives you access to advanced threat intelligence features, allowing you to test their feeds and automation before committing:

• Free Community Blocklist (25,000 entities, updated every 5 minutes).

• Reconnaissance Feed – Detect and block scanner traffic (e.g., Shodan, Censys, Masscan, ZMap).

• Mass Exploitation Intelligence – Real-time detection of exploit campaigns and CVE attempts.

• Global Deception Network – Honeypot-driven feeds capturing attacker infrastructure worldwide.

• Behavioral Fingerprinting (MuonFP & JA4+) – Identify scanning tools even when IPs rotate.

• Blocklist Automation Console – Centrally manage blocklists across multiple firewalls/vendors.

• Integration with SIEM/SOAR tools – Enrich alerts with attacker context and automate workflows.

• No credit card required – Full access for 14 days.

   

  Comparison of ELLIO Blocklists

  Blocklist	Entities Covered	Update Frequency	Best For
  Threat List MAX	175,000 – 400,000	Every 1 minute	Enterprises needing maximum coverage and real-time protection
  Threat List ONE	40,000 – 90,000	Every 5 minutes	Mid-size organizations balancing performance and security
  Free Community Blocklist	~25,000	Every 5 minutes	Individuals, small teams, or trial users exploring ELLIO feeds

   

Final Thoughts

By integrating ELLIO Threat Lists with pfSense, you gain real-time protection against reconnaissance and exploitation attempts. The free trial is a great way to experience how ELLIO’s feeds can reduce noise, block malicious IPs instantly, and strengthen your perimeter security.