Investigate the Vulnerabilities of Internet Security Systems and find one of the Cheapest Internet Security Methods used in the Industry and how to Set it up for use by an Educational Institution

In the evolving landscape of cyber security, educational institutions are increasingly prioritizing the establishment of robust internet security systems to safeguard their networks and sensitive data. This paper explores the implementation of pfSense, a leading open-source firewall solution, as a cost-effective and efficient means for small educational institutions in Sri Lanka to create a comprehensive internet security framework. By leveraging pfSense's versatile features—including caching server configurations, SQUID proxy integration, IP mapping, Network Address Translation (NAT), port monitoring, and web filtering—institutions can enhance their network security and manage internet access with greater control. This study highlights the practical benefits of deploying pfSense on standard computer hardware, demonstrating its capability to meet the specific security needs of educational environments. The findings advocate for the adoption of pfSense as a vital component in the network security strategy of small educational organizations, ensuring both protection against external threats and compliance with institutional internet usage policies.