OPNsense has released version 26.1, named “Witty Woodpecker,” bringing enhancements in security, network insight, automation, and management. Developed with strong community input, this update moves the open-source firewall toward a more modern, API-friendly platform that is easier to manage and integrate.
Firewall Enhancements
The firewall experience has been refined for clarity and efficiency:
Real-time firewall logs have been redesigned to provide clearer and faster visibility into traffic decisions.
The Firewall Rules interface is now more intuitive for creating and adjusting rules.
API coverage has expanded, including support for Source NAT tagging and Destination NAT, enabling deeper automation and integration with external systems.
Threat Intelligence Integration
OPNsense 26.1 introduces optional integration with Q‑Feeds through a plugin. This allows:
Curated threat intelligence, including IPs, domains, and indicators of compromise, to be applied directly to firewall rules.
Automated updates to ensure firewalls stay current with emerging threats.
This integration strengthens the firewall’s role as an active component in overall security strategy.
Improved Network Visibility
The new Host Discovery service automatically detects devices on connected networks, providing a unified view. This improves asset visibility and helps quickly identify unauthorized hosts.
System and Service Updates
Other key updates include:
Intrusion Detection and Prevention has moved to a modern configuration structure, including a new inline inspection mode.
DNS and DHCP services have been enhanced, with Unbound DNS supporting multiple blocklists and improved DHCP prefix delegation handling.
The network stack has been modernized, improving router advertisements, interface management, and IPv6 support via dnsmasq.
The setup wizard and system tools have been refined for a smoother overall experience.
Availability
OPNsense 26.1 is now available. Users can upgrade from supported previous versions or download fresh installation images from the official OPNsense website.
