diff --git a/firewall/api.go b/firewall/api.go
index 5c2f0eed..03fe77d4 100644
--- a/firewall/api.go
+++ b/firewall/api.go
@@ -141,7 +141,11 @@ func authenticateAPIRequest(ctx context.Context, pktInfo *packet.Info) (retry bo
 	authenticatedPath += string(filepath.Separator)
 
 	// Get process of request.
-	proc, _, err := process.GetProcessByConnection(ctx, pktInfo)
+	pid, _, _ := process.GetPidOfConnection(ctx, pktInfo)
+	if pid < 0 {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf(deniedMsgUnidentified, api.ErrAPIAccessDeniedMessage) //nolint:stylecheck // message for user
+	}
+	proc, err := process.GetOrFindProcess(ctx, pid)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Tracer(ctx).Debugf("filter: failed to get process of api request: %s", err)
 		originalPid = process.UnidentifiedProcessID
diff --git a/firewall/interception.go b/firewall/interception.go
index 4999c5b3..775b30b3 100644
--- a/firewall/interception.go
+++ b/firewall/interception.go
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
 	"github.com/tevino/abool"
-	"golang.org/x/sync/singleflight"
 
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/log"
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/modules"
@@ -54,7 +53,7 @@ func init() {
 	// TODO: Move interception module to own package (dir).
 	interceptionModule = modules.Register("interception", interceptionPrep, interceptionStart, interceptionStop, "base", "updates", "network", "notifications", "profiles")
 
-	network.SetDefaultFirewallHandler(defaultHandler)
+	network.SetDefaultFirewallHandler(verdictHandler)
 }
 
 func interceptionPrep() error {
@@ -120,6 +119,11 @@ func resetAllConnectionVerdicts() {
 	// Re-evaluate all connections.
 	var changedVerdicts int
 	for _, conn := range network.GetAllConnections() {
+		// Skip incomplete connections.
+		if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+			continue
+		}
+
 		func() {
 			conn.Lock()
 			defer conn.Unlock()
@@ -167,15 +171,10 @@ func resetAllConnectionVerdicts() {
 
 func interceptionStart() error {
 	getConfig()
-
-	if err := registerMetrics(); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
 	startAPIAuth()
 
-	interceptionModule.StartWorker("stat logger", statLogger)
-	interceptionModule.StartWorker("packet handler", packetHandler)
+	interceptionModule.StartServiceWorker("stat logger", 0, statLogger)
+	interceptionModule.StartServiceWorker("packet handler", 0, packetHandler)
 
 	return interception.Start()
 }
@@ -196,92 +195,38 @@ func SetNameserverIPMatcher(fn func(ip net.IP) bool) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func handlePacket(ctx context.Context, pkt packet.Packet) {
-	// Record metrics.
-	startTime := time.Now()
-	defer packetHandlingHistogram.UpdateDuration(startTime)
-
-	if fastTrackedPermit(pkt) {
+func handlePacket(pkt packet.Packet) {
+	// First, check for an existing connection.
+	conn, ok := network.GetConnection(pkt.GetConnectionID())
+	if ok {
+		// Add packet to connection handler queue or apply verdict directly.
+		conn.HandlePacket(pkt)
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Add context tracer and set context on packet.
-	traceCtx, tracer := log.AddTracer(ctx)
-	if tracer != nil {
-		// The trace is submitted in `network.Connection.packetHandler()`.
-		tracer.Tracef("filter: handling packet: %s", pkt)
-	}
-	pkt.SetCtx(traceCtx)
+	// Else create new incomplete connection from the packet and start the new handler.
+	conn = network.NewIncompleteConnection(pkt)
+	conn.Lock()
+	defer conn.Unlock()
+	conn.SetFirewallHandler(fastTrackHandler)
 
-	// Get connection of packet.
-	conn, err := getConnection(pkt)
-	if err != nil {
-		tracer.Errorf("filter: packet %s dropped: %s", pkt, err)
-		_ = pkt.Drop()
-		return
-	}
-
-	// handle packet
+	// Let the new connection handler worker handle the packet.
 	conn.HandlePacket(pkt)
 }
 
-var getConnectionSingleInflight singleflight.Group
-
-func getConnection(pkt packet.Packet) (*network.Connection, error) {
-	created := false
-
-	// Create or get connection in single inflight lock in order to prevent duplicates.
-	newConn, err, shared := getConnectionSingleInflight.Do(pkt.GetConnectionID(), func() (interface{}, error) {
-		// First, check for an existing connection.
-		conn, ok := network.GetConnection(pkt.GetConnectionID())
-		if ok {
-			return conn, nil
-		}
-
-		// Else create new one from the packet.
-		conn = network.NewConnectionFromFirstPacket(pkt)
-		conn.Lock()
-		defer conn.Unlock()
-		conn.SetFirewallHandler(initialHandler)
-		created = true
-		return conn, nil
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get connection: %w", err)
-	}
-	if newConn == nil {
-		return nil, errors.New("connection getter returned nil")
-	}
-
-	// Transform and log result.
-	conn := newConn.(*network.Connection) //nolint:forcetypeassert // Can only be a *network.Connection.
-	sharedIndicator := ""
-	if shared {
-		sharedIndicator = " (shared)"
-	}
-	if created {
-		log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Tracef("filter: created new connection %s%s", conn.ID, sharedIndicator)
-	} else {
-		log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Tracef("filter: assigned connection %s%s", conn.ID, sharedIndicator)
-	}
-
-	return conn, nil
-}
-
 // fastTrackedPermit quickly permits certain network critical or internal connections.
-func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
+func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (verdict network.Verdict, permanent bool) {
 	meta := pkt.Info()
 
 	// Check if packed was already fast-tracked by the OS integration.
 	if pkt.FastTrackedByIntegration() {
 		log.Debugf("filter: fast-tracked by OS integration: %s", pkt)
-		return true
+		return network.VerdictAccept, true
 	}
 
 	// Check if connection was already blocked.
 	if meta.Dst.Equal(blockedIPv4) || meta.Dst.Equal(blockedIPv6) {
-		_ = pkt.PermanentBlock()
-		return true
+		return network.VerdictBlock, true
 	}
 
 	// Some programs do a network self-check where they connects to the same
@@ -290,8 +235,8 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 	if meta.SrcPort == meta.DstPort &&
 		meta.Src.Equal(meta.Dst) {
 		log.Debugf("filter: fast-track network self-check: %s", pkt)
-		_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-		return true
+		return network.VerdictAccept, true
+
 	}
 
 	switch meta.Protocol { //nolint:exhaustive // Checking for specific values only.
@@ -300,8 +245,7 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 		err := pkt.LoadPacketData()
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Debugf("filter: failed to load ICMP packet data: %s", err)
-			_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictAccept, true
 		}
 
 		// Submit to ICMP listener.
@@ -311,8 +255,7 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 			// permanent accept, because then we won't see any future packets of that
 			// connection and thus cannot continue to submit them.
 			log.Debugf("filter: fast-track tracing ICMP/v6: %s", pkt)
-			_ = pkt.Accept()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictAccept, false
 		}
 
 		// Handle echo request and replies regularly.
@@ -323,20 +266,19 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 			switch icmpLayer.TypeCode.Type() {
 			case layers.ICMPv4TypeEchoRequest,
 				layers.ICMPv4TypeEchoReply:
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 		case *layers.ICMPv6:
 			switch icmpLayer.TypeCode.Type() {
 			case layers.ICMPv6TypeEchoRequest,
 				layers.ICMPv6TypeEchoReply:
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 		}
 
 		// Permit all ICMP/v6 packets that are not echo requests or replies.
 		log.Debugf("filter: fast-track accepting ICMP/v6: %s", pkt)
-		_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-		return true
+		return network.VerdictAccept, true
 
 	case packet.UDP, packet.TCP:
 		switch meta.DstPort {
@@ -346,37 +288,36 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 
 			// DHCP and DHCPv6 must be UDP.
 			if meta.Protocol != packet.UDP {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// DHCP is only valid in local network scopes.
 			switch netutils.ClassifyIP(meta.Dst) { //nolint:exhaustive // Checking for specific values only.
 			case netutils.HostLocal, netutils.LinkLocal, netutils.SiteLocal, netutils.LocalMulticast:
 			default:
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Log and permit.
 			log.Debugf("filter: fast-track accepting DHCP: %s", pkt)
-			_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictAccept, true
 
 		case apiPort:
 			// Always allow direct access to the Portmaster API.
 
 			// Portmaster API is TCP only.
 			if meta.Protocol != packet.TCP {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Check if the api port is even set.
 			if !apiPortSet {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Must be destined for the API IP.
 			if !meta.Dst.Equal(apiIP) {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Only fast-track local requests.
@@ -384,15 +325,14 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 			switch {
 			case err != nil:
 				log.Debugf("filter: failed to check if %s is own IP for fast-track: %s", meta.Src, err)
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			case !isMe:
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Log and permit.
 			log.Debugf("filter: fast-track accepting api connection: %s", pkt)
-			_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictAccept, true
 
 		case 53:
 			// Always allow direct access to the Portmaster Nameserver.
@@ -400,12 +340,12 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 
 			// Check if a nameserver IP matcher is set.
 			if !nameserverIPMatcherReady.IsSet() {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Check if packet is destined for a nameserver IP.
 			if !nameserverIPMatcher(meta.Dst) {
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Only fast-track local requests.
@@ -413,32 +353,76 @@ func fastTrackedPermit(pkt packet.Packet) (handled bool) {
 			switch {
 			case err != nil:
 				log.Debugf("filter: failed to check if %s is own IP for fast-track: %s", meta.Src, err)
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			case !isMe:
-				return false
+				return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 			}
 
 			// Log and permit.
 			log.Debugf("filter: fast-track accepting local dns: %s", pkt)
-			_ = pkt.PermanentAccept()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictAccept, true
 		}
 
 	case compat.SystemIntegrationCheckProtocol:
 		if pkt.Info().Dst.Equal(compat.SystemIntegrationCheckDstIP) {
 			compat.SubmitSystemIntegrationCheckPacket(pkt)
-			_ = pkt.Drop()
-			return true
+			return network.VerdictDrop, false
 		}
 	}
 
-	return false
+	return network.VerdictUndecided, false
 }
 
-func initialHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+func fastTrackHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+	fastTrackedVerdict, permanent := fastTrackedPermit(pkt)
+	if fastTrackedVerdict != network.VerdictUndecided {
+		// Set verdict on connection.
+		conn.Verdict.Active = fastTrackedVerdict
+		conn.Verdict.Firewall = fastTrackedVerdict
+		// Apply verdict to (real) packet.
+		if !pkt.InfoOnly() {
+			issueVerdict(conn, pkt, fastTrackedVerdict, permanent)
+		}
+		// Stop handler if permanent.
+		if permanent {
+			conn.SetVerdict(fastTrackedVerdict, "fast-tracked", "", nil)
+			conn.Verdict.Worst = fastTrackedVerdict
+			// Do not finalize verdict, as we are missing necessary data.
+			conn.StopFirewallHandler()
+		}
+
+		// Do not continue to next handler.
+		return
+	}
+
+	// If packet is not fast-tracked, continue with gathering more information.
+	conn.UpdateFirewallHandler(gatherDataHandler)
+	gatherDataHandler(conn, pkt)
+}
+
+func gatherDataHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+	// Get process info
+	_ = conn.GatherConnectionInfo(pkt)
+	// Errors are informational and are logged to the context.
+
+	// Run this handler again if data is not yet complete.
+	if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Continue to filter handler, when connection data is complete.
+	conn.UpdateFirewallHandler(filterHandler)
+	filterHandler(conn, pkt)
+}
+
+func filterHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+	// Skip if data is not complete.
+	if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+		return
+	}
+
 	filterConnection := true
 
-	log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Trace("filter: handing over to connection-based handler")
 	// Check for special (internal) connection cases.
 	switch {
 	case !conn.Inbound && localPortIsPreAuthenticated(conn.Entity.Protocol, conn.LocalPort):
@@ -480,8 +464,8 @@ func initialHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 	switch {
 	case conn.Inspecting:
 		log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Trace("filter: start inspecting")
-		conn.SetFirewallHandler(inspectThenVerdict)
-		inspectThenVerdict(conn, pkt)
+		conn.SetFirewallHandler(inspectAndVerdictHandler)
+		inspectAndVerdictHandler(conn, pkt)
 	default:
 		conn.StopFirewallHandler()
 		issueVerdict(conn, pkt, 0, true)
@@ -490,6 +474,11 @@ func initialHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 
 // FilterConnection runs all the filtering (and tunneling) procedures.
 func FilterConnection(ctx context.Context, conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet, checkFilter, checkTunnel bool) {
+	// Skip if data is not complete.
+	if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+		return
+	}
+
 	if checkFilter {
 		if filterEnabled() {
 			log.Tracer(ctx).Trace("filter: starting decision process")
@@ -537,12 +526,11 @@ func FilterConnection(ctx context.Context, conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.
 	}
 }
 
-func defaultHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
-	// TODO: `pkt` has an active trace log, which we currently don't submit.
+func verdictHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 	issueVerdict(conn, pkt, 0, true)
 }
 
-func inspectThenVerdict(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+func inspectAndVerdictHandler(conn *network.Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 	pktVerdict, continueInspection := inspection.RunInspectors(conn, pkt)
 	if continueInspection {
 		issueVerdict(conn, pkt, pktVerdict, false)
@@ -689,10 +677,11 @@ func packetHandler(ctx context.Context) error {
 		case <-ctx.Done():
 			return nil
 		case pkt := <-interception.Packets:
-			interceptionModule.StartWorker("initial packet handler", func(workerCtx context.Context) error {
-				handlePacket(workerCtx, pkt)
-				return nil
-			})
+			if pkt != nil {
+				handlePacket(pkt)
+			} else {
+				return errors.New("received nil packet from interception")
+			}
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/firewall/interception/ebpf/packet.go b/firewall/interception/ebpf/packet.go
index fffd5558..19895646 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/ebpf/packet.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/ebpf/packet.go
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@ type infoPacket struct {
 	pmpacket.Base
 }
 
+// InfoOnly returns whether the packet is informational only and does not
+// represent an actual packet.
+func (pkt *infoPacket) InfoOnly() bool {
+	return true
+}
+
 // LoadPacketData does nothing on Linux, as data is always fully parsed.
 func (pkt *infoPacket) LoadPacketData() error {
 	return fmt.Errorf("can't load data in info only packet")
diff --git a/firewall/interception/ebpf/worker.go b/firewall/interception/ebpf/worker.go
index 03be5d0d..2fdf50c2 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/ebpf/worker.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/ebpf/worker.go
@@ -5,11 +5,13 @@ import (
 	"encoding/binary"
 	"errors"
 	"net"
+	"time"
 	"unsafe"
 
 	"github.com/cilium/ebpf/link"
 	"github.com/cilium/ebpf/ringbuf"
 	"github.com/cilium/ebpf/rlimit"
+
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/log"
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/network/packet"
 )
@@ -17,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 //go:generate go run github.com/cilium/ebpf/cmd/bpf2go -cc clang -cflags "-O2 -g -Wall -Werror" -type Event bpf program/monitor.c
 var stopper chan struct{}
 
+// StartEBPFWorker starts the ebpf worker.
 func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 	stopper = make(chan struct{})
 	go func() {
@@ -32,7 +35,7 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 			log.Errorf("ebpf: failed to load ebpf object: %s", err)
 			return
 		}
-		defer objs.Close()
+		defer objs.Close() //nolint:errcheck
 
 		// Create a link to the tcp_connect program.
 		linkTCPConnect, err := link.AttachTracing(link.TracingOptions{
@@ -42,7 +45,7 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 			log.Errorf("ebpf: failed to attach to tcp_v4_connect: %s ", err)
 			return
 		}
-		defer linkTCPConnect.Close()
+		defer linkTCPConnect.Close() //nolint:errcheck
 
 		// Create a link to the udp_v4_connect program.
 		linkUDPV4, err := link.AttachTracing(link.TracingOptions{
@@ -52,7 +55,7 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 			log.Errorf("ebpf: failed to attach to udp_v4_connect: %s ", err)
 			return
 		}
-		defer linkUDPV4.Close()
+		defer linkUDPV4.Close() //nolint:errcheck
 
 		// Create a link to the udp_v6_connect program.
 		linkUDPV6, err := link.AttachTracing(link.TracingOptions{
@@ -62,14 +65,14 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 			log.Errorf("ebpf: failed to attach to udp_v6_connect: %s ", err)
 			return
 		}
-		defer linkUDPV6.Close()
+		defer linkUDPV6.Close() //nolint:errcheck
 
 		rd, err := ringbuf.NewReader(objs.bpfMaps.Events)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Errorf("ebpf: failed to open ring buffer: %s", err)
 			return
 		}
-		defer rd.Close()
+		defer rd.Close() //nolint:errcheck
 
 		go func() {
 			<-stopper
@@ -107,7 +110,8 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 				DstPort:  event.Dport,
 				Src:      arrayToIP(event.Saddr, packet.IPVersion(event.IpVersion)),
 				Dst:      arrayToIP(event.Daddr, packet.IPVersion(event.IpVersion)),
-				PID:      event.Pid,
+				PID:      int(event.Pid),
+				SeenAt:   time.Now(),
 			}
 			if isEventValid(event) {
 				log.Debugf("ebpf: PID: %d conn: %s:%d -> %s:%d %s %s", info.PID, info.LocalIP(), info.LocalPort(), info.RemoteIP(), info.RemotePort(), info.Version.String(), info.Protocol.String())
@@ -123,6 +127,7 @@ func StartEBPFWorker(ch chan packet.Packet) {
 	}()
 }
 
+// StopEBPFWorker stops the ebpf worker.
 func StopEBPFWorker() {
 	close(stopper)
 }
@@ -148,11 +153,12 @@ func isEventValid(event bpfEvent) bool {
 	return true
 }
 
-// arrayToIP converts IP number array to net.IP
+// arrayToIP converts IP number array to net.IP.
 func arrayToIP(ipNum [4]uint32, ipVersion packet.IPVersion) net.IP {
 	if ipVersion == packet.IPv4 {
+		// FIXME: maybe convertIPv4 from windowskext package
 		return unsafe.Slice((*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(&ipNum)), 4)
-	} else {
-		return unsafe.Slice((*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(&ipNum)), 16)
 	}
+	// FIXME: maybe use convertIPv6 from windowskext package
+	return unsafe.Slice((*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(&ipNum)), 16)
 }
diff --git a/firewall/interception/nfq/nfq.go b/firewall/interception/nfq/nfq.go
index 9b382944..585ba96e 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/nfq/nfq.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/nfq/nfq.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/log"
 	pmpacket "github.com/safing/portmaster/network/packet"
+	"github.com/safing/portmaster/process"
 )
 
 // Queue wraps a nfqueue.
@@ -175,10 +176,11 @@ func (q *Queue) packetHandler(ctx context.Context) func(nfqueue.Attribute) int {
 		pkt := &packet{
 			pktID:          *attrs.PacketID,
 			queue:          q,
-			received:       time.Now(),
 			verdictSet:     make(chan struct{}),
 			verdictPending: abool.New(),
 		}
+		pkt.Info().PID = process.UndefinedProcessID
+		pkt.Info().SeenAt = time.Now()
 
 		if attrs.Payload == nil {
 			// There is not payload.
@@ -194,11 +196,11 @@ func (q *Queue) packetHandler(ctx context.Context) func(nfqueue.Attribute) int {
 
 		select {
 		case q.packets <- pkt:
-			log.Tracef("nfqueue: queued packet %s (%s -> %s) after %s", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, time.Since(pkt.received))
+			log.Tracef("nfqueue: queued packet %s (%s -> %s) after %s", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, time.Since(pkt.Info().SeenAt))
 		case <-ctx.Done():
 			return 0
 		case <-time.After(time.Second):
-			log.Warningf("nfqueue: failed to queue packet (%s since it was handed over by the kernel)", time.Since(pkt.received))
+			log.Warningf("nfqueue: failed to queue packet (%s since it was handed over by the kernel)", time.Since(pkt.Info().SeenAt))
 		}
 
 		go func() {
@@ -206,7 +208,7 @@ func (q *Queue) packetHandler(ctx context.Context) func(nfqueue.Attribute) int {
 			case <-pkt.verdictSet:
 
 			case <-time.After(20 * time.Second):
-				log.Warningf("nfqueue: no verdict set for packet %s (%s -> %s) after %s, dropping", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, time.Since(pkt.received))
+				log.Warningf("nfqueue: no verdict set for packet %s (%s -> %s) after %s, dropping", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, time.Since(pkt.Info().SeenAt))
 				if err := pkt.Drop(); err != nil {
 					log.Warningf("nfqueue: failed to apply default-drop to unveridcted packet %s (%s -> %s)", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst)
 				}
diff --git a/firewall/interception/nfq/packet.go b/firewall/interception/nfq/packet.go
index f3ede898..6dd42186 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/nfq/packet.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/nfq/packet.go
@@ -55,7 +55,6 @@ func markToString(mark int) string {
 type packet struct {
 	pmpacket.Base
 	pktID          uint32
-	received       time.Time
 	queue          *Queue
 	verdictSet     chan struct{}
 	verdictPending *abool.AtomicBool
@@ -118,7 +117,7 @@ func (pkt *packet) setMark(mark int) error {
 		}
 		break
 	}
-	log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Tracef("nfqueue: marking packet %s (%s -> %s) on queue %d with %s after %s", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, pkt.queue.id, markToString(mark), time.Since(pkt.received))
+	log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Tracef("nfqueue: marking packet %s (%s -> %s) on queue %d with %s after %s", pkt.ID(), pkt.Info().Src, pkt.Info().Dst, pkt.queue.id, markToString(mark), time.Since(pkt.Info().SeenAt))
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/firewall/interception/windowskext/handler.go b/firewall/interception/windowskext/handler.go
index 7515f471..f3fa33a4 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/windowskext/handler.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/windowskext/handler.go
@@ -8,8 +8,11 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
+	"time"
 	"unsafe"
 
+	"github.com/safing/portmaster/process"
+
 	"github.com/tevino/abool"
 
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/log"
@@ -103,21 +106,28 @@ func Handler(packets chan packet.Packet) {
 			verdictRequest: packetInfo,
 			verdictSet:     abool.NewBool(false),
 		}
-
 		info := new.Info()
 		info.Inbound = packetInfo.direction > 0
 		info.InTunnel = false
 		info.Protocol = packet.IPProtocol(packetInfo.protocol)
-		info.PID = packetInfo.pid
+		info.PID = int(packetInfo.pid)
+		info.SeenAt = time.Now()
 
-		// IP version
+		// Check PID
+		if info.PID == 0 {
+			// Windows does not have zero PIDs.
+			// Set to UndefinedProcessID.
+			info.PID = process.UndefinedProcessID
+		}
+
+		// Set IP version
 		if packetInfo.ipV6 == 1 {
 			info.Version = packet.IPv6
 		} else {
 			info.Version = packet.IPv4
 		}
 
-		// IPs
+		// Set IPs
 		if info.Version == packet.IPv4 {
 			// IPv4
 			if info.Inbound {
@@ -142,7 +152,7 @@ func Handler(packets chan packet.Packet) {
 			}
 		}
 
-		// Ports
+		// Set Ports
 		if info.Inbound {
 			// Inbound
 			info.SrcPort = packetInfo.remotePort
diff --git a/firewall/interception/windowskext/packet.go b/firewall/interception/windowskext/packet.go
index daa315f2..282a85a7 100644
--- a/firewall/interception/windowskext/packet.go
+++ b/firewall/interception/windowskext/packet.go
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+//go:build windows
 // +build windows
 
 package windowskext
@@ -23,6 +24,12 @@ type Packet struct {
 	lock          sync.Mutex
 }
 
+// InfoOnly returns whether the packet is informational only and does not
+// represent an actual packet.
+func (pkt *Packet) InfoOnly() bool {
+	return pkt.verdictRequest.flags&VerdictRequestFlagSocketAuth > 0
+}
+
 // FastTrackedByIntegration returns whether the packet has been fast-track
 // accepted by the OS integration.
 func (pkt *Packet) FastTrackedByIntegration() bool {
diff --git a/firewall/master.go b/firewall/master.go
index ae86f2b8..627dfe91 100644
--- a/firewall/master.go
+++ b/firewall/master.go
@@ -25,19 +25,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/profile/endpoints"
 )
 
-// Call order:
-//
-// DNS Query:
-// 1. DecideOnConnection
-//    is called when a DNS query is made, may set verdict to Undeterminable to permit a DNS reply.
-//    is called with a nil packet.
-// 2. DecideOnResolvedDNS
-//    is called to (possibly) filter out A/AAAA records that the filter would deny later.
-//
-// Network Connection:
-// 3. DecideOnConnection
-//    is called with the first packet of a network connection.
-
 const noReasonOptionKey = ""
 
 type deciderFn func(context.Context, *network.Connection, *profile.LayeredProfile, packet.Packet) bool
diff --git a/firewall/metrics.go b/firewall/metrics.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 30d56b4b..00000000
--- a/firewall/metrics.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,21 +0,0 @@
-package firewall
-
-import (
-	"github.com/safing/portbase/api"
-	"github.com/safing/portbase/config"
-	"github.com/safing/portbase/metrics"
-)
-
-var packetHandlingHistogram *metrics.Histogram
-
-func registerMetrics() (err error) {
-	packetHandlingHistogram, err = metrics.NewHistogram(
-		"firewall/handling/duration/seconds",
-		nil,
-		&metrics.Options{
-			Permission:     api.PermitUser,
-			ExpertiseLevel: config.ExpertiseLevelExpert,
-		})
-
-	return err
-}
diff --git a/netquery/manager.go b/netquery/manager.go
index 2a7a70a6..6599d619 100644
--- a/netquery/manager.go
+++ b/netquery/manager.go
@@ -87,6 +87,9 @@ func (mng *Manager) HandleFeed(ctx context.Context, feed <-chan *network.Connect
 			if !ok {
 				return
 			}
+			if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+				continue
+			}
 
 			model, err := convertConnection(conn)
 			if err != nil {
diff --git a/network/clean.go b/network/clean.go
index 6e4d9f83..e4042d7c 100644
--- a/network/clean.go
+++ b/network/clean.go
@@ -51,6 +51,11 @@ func cleanConnections() (activePIDs map[int]struct{}) {
 
 			// delete inactive connections
 			switch {
+			case !conn.DataIsComplete():
+				// Step 0: delete old incomplete connections
+				if conn.Started < deleteOlderThan {
+					conn.delete()
+				}
 			case conn.Ended == 0:
 				// Step 1: check if still active
 				exists := state.Exists(&packet.Info{
diff --git a/network/connection.go b/network/connection.go
index f9b2379d..fe3e92fe 100644
--- a/network/connection.go
+++ b/network/connection.go
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/tevino/abool"
+
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/database/record"
 	"github.com/safing/portbase/log"
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/intel"
@@ -102,6 +104,8 @@ type Connection struct { //nolint:maligned // TODO: fix alignment
 	// set for connections created from DNS requests. LocalPort is
 	// considered immutable once a connection object has been created.
 	LocalPort uint16
+	// PID holds the PID of the owning process.
+	PID int
 	// Entity describes the remote entity that the connection has been
 	// established to. The entity might be changed or information might
 	// be added to it during the livetime of a connection. Access to
@@ -168,6 +172,19 @@ type Connection struct { //nolint:maligned // TODO: fix alignment
 		StopTunnel() error
 	}
 
+	// pkgQueue is used to serialize packet handling for a single
+	// connection and is served by the connections packetHandler.
+	pktQueue chan packet.Packet
+	// pktQueueActive signifies whether the packet queue is active and may be written to.
+	pktQueueActive bool
+	// pktQueueLock locks access to pktQueueActive and writing to pktQueue.
+	pktQueueLock sync.Mutex
+
+	// dataComplete signifies that all information about the connection is
+	// available and an actual packet has been seen.
+	// As long as this flag is not set, the connection may not be evaluated for
+	// a verdict and may not be sent to the UI.
+	dataComplete *abool.AtomicBool
 	// Internal is set to true if the connection is attributed as an
 	// Portmaster internal connection. Internal may be set at different
 	// points and access to it must be guarded by the connection lock.
@@ -175,9 +192,6 @@ type Connection struct { //nolint:maligned // TODO: fix alignment
 	// process holds a reference to the actor process. That is, the
 	// process instance that initiated the connection.
 	process *process.Process
-	// pkgQueue is used to serialize packet handling for a single
-	// connection and is served by the connections packetHandler.
-	pktQueue chan packet.Packet
 	// firewallHandler is the firewall handler that is called for
 	// each packet sent to pktQueue.
 	firewallHandler FirewallHandler
@@ -250,8 +264,11 @@ func NewConnectionFromDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cnames []stri
 		ipVersion = packet.IPv4
 	}
 
-	// get Process
-	proc, _, err := process.GetProcessByConnection(
+	// Get Process.
+	// FIXME: Find direct or redirected connection and grab the PID from there.
+
+	// Find process by remote IP/Port.
+	pid, _, _ := process.GetPidOfConnection(
 		ctx,
 		&packet.Info{
 			Inbound:  false, // outbound as we are looking for the process of the source address
@@ -261,18 +278,17 @@ func NewConnectionFromDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cnames []stri
 			SrcPort:  localPort, // source as in the process we are looking for
 			Dst:      nil,       // do not record direction
 			DstPort:  0,         // do not record direction
+			PID:      process.UndefinedProcessID,
 		},
 	)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Tracer(ctx).Debugf("network: failed to find process of dns request for %s: %s", fqdn, err)
-		proc = process.GetUnidentifiedProcess(ctx)
-	}
+	proc, _ := process.GetProcessWithProfile(ctx, pid)
 
 	timestamp := time.Now().Unix()
 	dnsConn := &Connection{
 		ID:    connID,
 		Type:  DNSRequest,
 		Scope: fqdn,
+		PID:   proc.Pid,
 		Entity: &intel.Entity{
 			Domain: fqdn,
 			CNAME:  cnames,
@@ -281,6 +297,7 @@ func NewConnectionFromDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cnames []stri
 		ProcessContext: getProcessContext(ctx, proc),
 		Started:        timestamp,
 		Ended:          timestamp,
+		dataComplete:   abool.NewBool(true),
 	}
 
 	// Inherit internal status of profile.
@@ -292,6 +309,7 @@ func NewConnectionFromDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cnames []stri
 	// query. Blocked requests are saved immediately, accepted ones are only
 	// saved if they are not "used" by a connection.
 
+	dnsConn.UpdateMeta()
 	return dnsConn
 }
 
@@ -308,6 +326,7 @@ func NewConnectionFromExternalDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cname
 		Type:     DNSRequest,
 		External: true,
 		Scope:    fqdn,
+		PID:      process.NetworkHostProcessID,
 		Entity: &intel.Entity{
 			Domain: fqdn,
 			CNAME:  cnames,
@@ -316,6 +335,7 @@ func NewConnectionFromExternalDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cname
 		ProcessContext: getProcessContext(ctx, remoteHost),
 		Started:        timestamp,
 		Ended:          timestamp,
+		dataComplete:   abool.NewBool(true),
 	}
 
 	// Inherit internal status of profile.
@@ -327,131 +347,152 @@ func NewConnectionFromExternalDNSRequest(ctx context.Context, fqdn string, cname
 	// query. Blocked requests are saved immediately, accepted ones are only
 	// saved if they are not "used" by a connection.
 
+	dnsConn.UpdateMeta()
 	return dnsConn, nil
 }
 
-// NewConnectionFromFirstPacket returns a new connection based on the given packet.
-func NewConnectionFromFirstPacket(pkt packet.Packet) *Connection {
-	// get Process
-	proc, inbound, err := process.GetProcessByConnection(pkt.Ctx(), pkt.Info())
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Debugf("network: failed to find process of packet %s: %s", pkt, err)
-		if inbound && !netutils.ClassifyIP(pkt.Info().Dst).IsLocalhost() {
-			proc = process.GetUnsolicitedProcess(pkt.Ctx())
-		} else {
-			proc = process.GetUnidentifiedProcess(pkt.Ctx())
-		}
+// NewIncompleteConnection creates a new incomplete connection with only minimal information.
+func NewIncompleteConnection(pkt packet.Packet) *Connection {
+	info := pkt.Info()
+
+	// Create new connection object.
+	// We do not yet know the direction of the connection for sure, so we can only set minimal information.
+	conn := &Connection{
+		ID:           pkt.GetConnectionID(),
+		Type:         IPConnection,
+		IPVersion:    info.Version,
+		IPProtocol:   info.Protocol,
+		Started:      info.SeenAt.Unix(),
+		PID:          info.PID,
+		dataComplete: abool.NewBool(false),
 	}
 
-	// Create the (remote) entity.
-	entity := &intel.Entity{
-		Protocol: uint8(pkt.Info().Protocol),
-		Port:     pkt.Info().RemotePort(),
+	// Save connection to internal state in order to mitigate creation of
+	// duplicates. Do not propagate yet, as data is not yet complete.
+	conn.UpdateMeta()
+	conns.add(conn)
+
+	return conn
+}
+
+// GatherConnectionInfo gathers information on the process and remote entity.
+func (conn *Connection) GatherConnectionInfo(pkt packet.Packet) (err error) {
+	// Get PID if not yet available.
+	// FIXME: Only match for UndefinedProcessID when integrations have been updated.
+	if conn.PID <= 0 {
+		// Get process by looking at the system state tables.
+		// Apply direction as reported from the state tables.
+		conn.PID, conn.Inbound, _ = process.GetPidOfConnection(pkt.Ctx(), pkt.Info())
+		// Errors are informational and are logged to the context.
 	}
-	entity.SetIP(pkt.Info().RemoteIP())
-	entity.SetDstPort(pkt.Info().DstPort)
 
-	var scope string
-	var resolverInfo *resolver.ResolverInfo
-	var dnsContext *resolver.DNSRequestContext
-
-	if inbound {
-		switch entity.IPScope {
-		case netutils.HostLocal:
-			scope = IncomingHost
-		case netutils.LinkLocal, netutils.SiteLocal, netutils.LocalMulticast:
-			scope = IncomingLAN
-		case netutils.Global, netutils.GlobalMulticast:
-			scope = IncomingInternet
-
-		case netutils.Undefined, netutils.Invalid:
-			fallthrough
-		default:
-			scope = IncomingInvalid
-		}
-	} else {
-
-		// check if we can find a domain for that IP
-		ipinfo, err := resolver.GetIPInfo(proc.Profile().LocalProfile().ID, pkt.Info().RemoteIP().String())
+	// Get Process and Profile.
+	if conn.process == nil {
+		// We got connection from the system.
+		conn.process, err = process.GetProcessWithProfile(pkt.Ctx(), conn.PID)
 		if err != nil {
-			// Try again with the global scope, in case DNS went through the system resolver.
-			ipinfo, err = resolver.GetIPInfo(resolver.IPInfoProfileScopeGlobal, pkt.Info().RemoteIP().String())
-		}
-		if err == nil {
-			lastResolvedDomain := ipinfo.MostRecentDomain()
-			if lastResolvedDomain != nil {
-				scope = lastResolvedDomain.Domain
-				entity.Domain = lastResolvedDomain.Domain
-				entity.CNAME = lastResolvedDomain.CNAMEs
-				dnsContext = lastResolvedDomain.DNSRequestContext
-				resolverInfo = lastResolvedDomain.Resolver
-				removeOpenDNSRequest(proc.Pid, lastResolvedDomain.Domain)
-			}
+			conn.process = nil
+			err = fmt.Errorf("failed to get process and profile of PID %d: %w", conn.PID, err)
+			log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Debugf("network: %s", err)
+			return err
 		}
 
-		// check if destination IP is the captive portal's IP
-		portal := netenv.GetCaptivePortal()
-		if pkt.Info().RemoteIP().Equal(portal.IP) {
-			scope = portal.Domain
-			entity.Domain = portal.Domain
-		}
+		// Add process/profile metadata for connection.
+		conn.ProcessContext = getProcessContext(pkt.Ctx(), conn.process)
+		conn.ProfileRevisionCounter = conn.process.Profile().RevisionCnt()
 
-		if scope == "" {
-			// outbound direct (possibly P2P) connection
-			switch entity.IPScope {
+		// Inherit internal status of profile.
+		if localProfile := conn.process.Profile().LocalProfile(); localProfile != nil {
+			conn.Internal = localProfile.Internal
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Create remote entity.
+	if conn.Entity == nil {
+		// Remote
+		conn.Entity = &intel.Entity{
+			Protocol: uint8(pkt.Info().Protocol),
+			Port:     pkt.Info().RemotePort(),
+		}
+		conn.Entity.SetIP(pkt.Info().RemoteIP())
+		conn.Entity.SetDstPort(pkt.Info().DstPort)
+		// Local
+		conn.SetLocalIP(pkt.Info().LocalIP())
+		conn.LocalPort = pkt.Info().LocalPort()
+
+		if conn.Inbound {
+			switch conn.Entity.IPScope {
 			case netutils.HostLocal:
-				scope = PeerHost
+				conn.Scope = IncomingHost
 			case netutils.LinkLocal, netutils.SiteLocal, netutils.LocalMulticast:
-				scope = PeerLAN
+				conn.Scope = IncomingLAN
 			case netutils.Global, netutils.GlobalMulticast:
-				scope = PeerInternet
+				conn.Scope = IncomingInternet
 
 			case netutils.Undefined, netutils.Invalid:
 				fallthrough
 			default:
-				scope = PeerInvalid
+				conn.Scope = IncomingInvalid
+			}
+		} else {
+
+			// check if we can find a domain for that IP
+			ipinfo, err := resolver.GetIPInfo(conn.process.Profile().LocalProfile().ID, pkt.Info().RemoteIP().String())
+			if err != nil {
+				// Try again with the global scope, in case DNS went through the system resolver.
+				ipinfo, err = resolver.GetIPInfo(resolver.IPInfoProfileScopeGlobal, pkt.Info().RemoteIP().String())
+			}
+			if err == nil {
+				lastResolvedDomain := ipinfo.MostRecentDomain()
+				if lastResolvedDomain != nil {
+					conn.Scope = lastResolvedDomain.Domain
+					conn.Entity.Domain = lastResolvedDomain.Domain
+					conn.Entity.CNAME = lastResolvedDomain.CNAMEs
+					conn.DNSContext = lastResolvedDomain.DNSRequestContext
+					conn.Resolver = lastResolvedDomain.Resolver
+					removeOpenDNSRequest(conn.process.Pid, lastResolvedDomain.Domain)
+				}
+			}
+
+			// check if destination IP is the captive portal's IP
+			portal := netenv.GetCaptivePortal()
+			if pkt.Info().RemoteIP().Equal(portal.IP) {
+				conn.Scope = portal.Domain
+				conn.Entity.Domain = portal.Domain
+			}
+
+			if conn.Scope == "" {
+				// outbound direct (possibly P2P) connection
+				switch conn.Entity.IPScope {
+				case netutils.HostLocal:
+					conn.Scope = PeerHost
+				case netutils.LinkLocal, netutils.SiteLocal, netutils.LocalMulticast:
+					conn.Scope = PeerLAN
+				case netutils.Global, netutils.GlobalMulticast:
+					conn.Scope = PeerInternet
+
+				case netutils.Undefined, netutils.Invalid:
+					fallthrough
+				default:
+					conn.Scope = PeerInvalid
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Create new connection object.
-	newConn := &Connection{
-		ID:        pkt.GetConnectionID(),
-		Type:      IPConnection,
-		Scope:     scope,
-		IPVersion: pkt.Info().Version,
-		Inbound:   inbound,
-		// local endpoint
-		IPProtocol:     pkt.Info().Protocol,
-		LocalPort:      pkt.Info().LocalPort(),
-		ProcessContext: getProcessContext(pkt.Ctx(), proc),
-		DNSContext:     dnsContext,
-		process:        proc,
-		// remote endpoint
-		Entity: entity,
-		// resolver used to resolve dns request
-		Resolver: resolverInfo,
-		// meta
-		Started:                time.Now().Unix(),
-		ProfileRevisionCounter: proc.Profile().RevisionCnt(),
-	}
-	newConn.SetLocalIP(pkt.Info().LocalIP())
-
-	// Inherit internal status of profile.
-	if localProfile := proc.Profile().LocalProfile(); localProfile != nil {
-		newConn.Internal = localProfile.Internal
+	// Data collection is only complete with a packet.
+	if pkt.InfoOnly() {
+		return nil
 	}
 
-	// Save connection to internal state in order to mitigate creation of
-	// duplicates. Do not propagate yet, as there is no verdict yet.
-	conns.add(newConn)
-
-	return newConn
+	// If we have all data and have seen an actual packet, the connection data is complete.
+	conn.dataComplete.Set()
+	return nil
 }
 
 // GetConnection fetches a Connection from the database.
-func GetConnection(id string) (*Connection, bool) {
-	return conns.get(id)
+func GetConnection(connID string) (*Connection, bool) {
+	return conns.get(connID)
 }
 
 // GetAllConnections Gets all connection.
@@ -563,6 +604,14 @@ func (conn *Connection) VerdictVerb() string {
 	)
 }
 
+// DataIsComplete returns whether all information about the connection is
+// available and an actual packet has been seen.
+// As long as this flag is not set, the connection may not be evaluated for
+// a verdict and may not be sent to the UI.
+func (conn *Connection) DataIsComplete() bool {
+	return conn.dataComplete.IsSet()
+}
+
 // Process returns the connection's process.
 func (conn *Connection) Process() *process.Process {
 	return conn.process
@@ -579,9 +628,13 @@ func (conn *Connection) SaveWhenFinished() {
 // Callers must make sure to lock the connection itself before calling
 // Save().
 func (conn *Connection) Save() {
-	conn.addToMetrics()
 	conn.UpdateMeta()
 
+	// Do not save/update until data is complete.
+	if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+		return
+	}
+
 	if !conn.KeyIsSet() {
 		if conn.Type == DNSRequest {
 			conn.SetKey(makeKey(conn.process.Pid, dbScopeDNS, conn.ID))
@@ -592,6 +645,8 @@ func (conn *Connection) Save() {
 		}
 	}
 
+	conn.addToMetrics()
+
 	// notify database controller
 	dbController.PushUpdate(conn)
 }
@@ -610,29 +665,61 @@ func (conn *Connection) delete() {
 	}
 
 	conn.Meta().Delete()
-	dbController.PushUpdate(conn)
+
+	// Notify database controller if data is complete and thus connection was previously exposed.
+	if conn.DataIsComplete() {
+		dbController.PushUpdate(conn)
+	}
 }
 
 // SetFirewallHandler sets the firewall handler for this link, and starts a
 // worker to handle the packets.
 // The caller needs to hold a lock on the connection.
+// Cannot be called with "nil" handler. Call StopFirewallHandler() instead.
 func (conn *Connection) SetFirewallHandler(handler FirewallHandler) {
-	if conn.firewallHandler == nil {
-		conn.pktQueue = make(chan packet.Packet, 100)
+	if handler == nil {
+		return
+	}
 
+	// Start packet handler worker when first handler is set.
+	if conn.firewallHandler == nil {
 		// start handling
 		module.StartWorker("packet handler", conn.packetHandlerWorker)
 	}
+
+	// Set new handler.
 	conn.firewallHandler = handler
+
+	// Initialize packet queue, if needed.
+	conn.pktQueueLock.Lock()
+	defer conn.pktQueueLock.Unlock()
+	if !conn.pktQueueActive {
+		conn.pktQueue = make(chan packet.Packet, 100)
+		conn.pktQueueActive = true
+	}
+}
+
+// UpdateFirewallHandler sets the firewall handler if it already set and the
+// given handler is not nil.
+// The caller needs to hold a lock on the connection.
+func (conn *Connection) UpdateFirewallHandler(handler FirewallHandler) {
+	if handler != nil && conn.firewallHandler != nil {
+		conn.firewallHandler = handler
+	}
 }
 
 // StopFirewallHandler unsets the firewall handler and stops the handler worker.
 // The caller needs to hold a lock on the connection.
 func (conn *Connection) StopFirewallHandler() {
+	conn.pktQueueLock.Lock()
+	defer conn.pktQueueLock.Unlock()
+
+	// Unset the firewall handler to revert to the default handler.
 	conn.firewallHandler = nil
 
 	// Signal the packet handler worker that it can stop.
 	close(conn.pktQueue)
+	conn.pktQueueActive = false
 
 	// Unset the packet queue so that it can be freed.
 	conn.pktQueue = nil
@@ -640,15 +727,25 @@ func (conn *Connection) StopFirewallHandler() {
 
 // HandlePacket queues packet of Link for handling.
 func (conn *Connection) HandlePacket(pkt packet.Packet) {
-	conn.Lock()
-	defer conn.Unlock()
+	conn.pktQueueLock.Lock()
+	defer conn.pktQueueLock.Unlock()
 
 	// execute handler or verdict
-	if conn.firewallHandler != nil {
-		conn.pktQueue <- pkt
-		// TODO: drop if overflowing?
+	if conn.pktQueueActive {
+		select {
+		case conn.pktQueue <- pkt:
+		default:
+			log.Debugf(
+				"filter: dropping packet %s, as there is no space in the connection's handling queue",
+				pkt,
+			)
+			_ = pkt.Drop()
+		}
 	} else {
 		defaultFirewallHandler(conn, pkt)
+
+		// Record metrics.
+		packetHandlingHistogram.UpdateDuration(pkt.Info().SeenAt)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -656,7 +753,12 @@ func (conn *Connection) HandlePacket(pkt packet.Packet) {
 func (conn *Connection) packetHandlerWorker(ctx context.Context) error {
 	// Copy packet queue, so we can remove the reference from the connection
 	// when we stop the firewall handler.
-	pktQueue := conn.pktQueue
+	var pktQueue chan packet.Packet
+	func() {
+		conn.pktQueueLock.Lock()
+		defer conn.pktQueueLock.Unlock()
+		pktQueue = conn.pktQueue
+	}()
 
 	for {
 		select {
@@ -664,21 +766,27 @@ func (conn *Connection) packetHandlerWorker(ctx context.Context) error {
 			if pkt == nil {
 				return nil
 			}
-			packetHandlerHandleConn(conn, pkt)
+			packetHandlerHandleConn(ctx, conn, pkt)
 
 		case <-ctx.Done():
-			conn.Lock()
-			defer conn.Unlock()
-			conn.firewallHandler = nil
 			return nil
 		}
 	}
 }
 
-func packetHandlerHandleConn(conn *Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
+func packetHandlerHandleConn(ctx context.Context, conn *Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 	conn.Lock()
 	defer conn.Unlock()
 
+	// Create tracing context.
+	// Add context tracer and set context on packet.
+	traceCtx, tracer := log.AddTracer(ctx)
+	if tracer != nil {
+		// The trace is submitted in `network.Connection.packetHandler()`.
+		tracer.Tracef("filter: handling packet: %s", pkt)
+	}
+	pkt.SetCtx(traceCtx)
+
 	// Handle packet with appropriate handler.
 	if conn.firewallHandler != nil {
 		conn.firewallHandler(conn, pkt)
@@ -686,13 +794,22 @@ func packetHandlerHandleConn(conn *Connection, pkt packet.Packet) {
 		defaultFirewallHandler(conn, pkt)
 	}
 
-	// Log verdict.
-	log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Infof("filter: connection %s %s: %s", conn, conn.VerdictVerb(), conn.Reason.Msg)
-	// Submit trace logs.
-	log.Tracer(pkt.Ctx()).Submit()
+	// Record metrics.
+	packetHandlingHistogram.UpdateDuration(pkt.Info().SeenAt)
 
-	// Save() itself does not touch any changing data.
-	// Must not be locked - would deadlock with cleaner functions.
+	// Log result and submit trace.
+	switch {
+	case conn.DataIsComplete():
+		tracer.Infof("filter: connection %s %s: %s", conn, conn.VerdictVerb(), conn.Reason.Msg)
+	case conn.Verdict.Firewall != VerdictUndecided:
+		tracer.Debugf("filter: connection %s fast-tracked", conn)
+	default:
+		tracer.Infof("filter: gathered data on connection %s", conn)
+	}
+	// Submit trace logs.
+	tracer.Submit()
+
+	// Push changes, if there are any.
 	if conn.saveWhenFinished {
 		conn.saveWhenFinished = false
 		conn.Save()
diff --git a/network/connection_android.go b/network/connection_android.go
index d7479e1f..6fd30157 100644
--- a/network/connection_android.go
+++ b/network/connection_android.go
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/network/packet"
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/process"
 	"github.com/safing/spn/navigator"
+	"github.com/tevino/abool"
 )
 
 // NewDefaultConnection creates a new connection with default values except local and remote IPs and protocols.
@@ -25,6 +26,7 @@ func NewDefaultConnection(localIP net.IP, localPort uint16, remoteIP net.IP, rem
 		LocalIP:      localIP,
 		LocalIPScope: netutils.Global,
 		LocalPort:    localPort,
+		PID:          process.UnidentifiedProcessID,
 		Entity: &intel.Entity{
 			Protocol: uint8(protocol),
 			IP:       remoteIP,
@@ -35,6 +37,7 @@ func NewDefaultConnection(localIP net.IP, localPort uint16, remoteIP net.IP, rem
 		VerdictPermanent: false,
 		Tunneled:         true,
 		Encrypted:        false,
+		DataComplete:     abool.NewBool(true),
 		Internal:         false,
 		addedToMetrics:   true, // Metrics are not needed for now. This will mark the Connection to be ignored.
 		process:          process.GetUnidentifiedProcess(context.Background()),
diff --git a/network/database.go b/network/database.go
index 159ba1d3..457b2693 100644
--- a/network/database.go
+++ b/network/database.go
@@ -90,12 +90,12 @@ func (s *StorageInterface) Get(key string) (record.Record, error) {
 
 	switch scope {
 	case dbScopeDNS:
-		if r, ok := dnsConns.get(id); ok {
-			return r, nil
+		if c, ok := dnsConns.get(id); ok && c.DataIsComplete() {
+			return c, nil
 		}
 	case dbScopeIP:
-		if r, ok := conns.get(id); ok {
-			return r, nil
+		if c, ok := conns.get(id); ok && c.DataIsComplete() {
+			return c, nil
 		}
 	case dbScopeNone:
 		if proc, ok := process.GetProcessFromStorage(pid); ok {
@@ -143,11 +143,16 @@ func (s *StorageInterface) processQuery(q *query.Query, it *iterator.Iterator) {
 	if scope == dbScopeNone || scope == dbScopeDNS {
 		// dns scopes only
 		for _, dnsConn := range dnsConns.clone() {
+			if !dnsConn.DataIsComplete() {
+				continue
+			}
+
 			func() {
 				dnsConn.Lock()
 				defer dnsConn.Unlock()
 				matches = q.Matches(dnsConn)
 			}()
+
 			if matches {
 				it.Next <- dnsConn
 			}
@@ -157,11 +162,16 @@ func (s *StorageInterface) processQuery(q *query.Query, it *iterator.Iterator) {
 	if scope == dbScopeNone || scope == dbScopeIP {
 		// connections
 		for _, conn := range conns.clone() {
+			if !conn.DataIsComplete() {
+				continue
+			}
+
 			func() {
 				conn.Lock()
 				defer conn.Unlock()
 				matches = q.Matches(conn)
 			}()
+
 			if matches {
 				it.Next <- conn
 			}
diff --git a/network/metrics.go b/network/metrics.go
index db5e701e..28a3b046 100644
--- a/network/metrics.go
+++ b/network/metrics.go
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 var (
+	packetHandlingHistogram            *metrics.Histogram
 	blockedOutConnCounter              *metrics.Counter
 	encryptedAndTunneledOutConnCounter *metrics.Counter
 	encryptedOutConnCounter            *metrics.Counter
@@ -15,8 +16,21 @@ var (
 	outConnCounter                     *metrics.Counter
 )
 
-func registerMetrics() error {
-	_, err := metrics.NewGauge(
+func registerMetrics() (err error) {
+	// This needed to be moved here, because every packet is now handled by the
+	// connection handler worker.
+	packetHandlingHistogram, err = metrics.NewHistogram(
+		"firewall/handling/duration/seconds",
+		nil,
+		&metrics.Options{
+			Permission:     api.PermitUser,
+			ExpertiseLevel: config.ExpertiseLevelExpert,
+		})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	_, err = metrics.NewGauge(
 		"network/connections/active/total",
 		nil,
 		func() float64 {
diff --git a/network/multicast.go b/network/multicast.go
index 8a32aea7..d7c8f9a7 100644
--- a/network/multicast.go
+++ b/network/multicast.go
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ func GetMulticastRequestConn(responseConn *Connection, responseFromNet *net.IPNe
 	// Find requesting multicast/broadcast connection.
 	for _, conn := range conns.clone() {
 		switch {
+		case !conn.DataIsComplete():
+			// Ignore connection with incomplete data.
 		case conn.Inbound:
 			// Ignore incoming connections.
 		case conn.Ended != 0:
diff --git a/network/packet/packet.go b/network/packet/packet.go
index 294a79c2..6034f46f 100644
--- a/network/packet/packet.go
+++ b/network/packet/packet.go
@@ -24,6 +24,12 @@ func (pkt *Base) FastTrackedByIntegration() bool {
 	return false
 }
 
+// InfoOnly returns whether the packet is informational only and does not
+// represent an actual packet.
+func (pkt *Base) InfoOnly() bool {
+	return false
+}
+
 // SetCtx sets the packet context.
 func (pkt *Base) SetCtx(ctx context.Context) {
 	pkt.ctx = ctx
@@ -107,6 +113,7 @@ func (pkt *Base) GetConnectionID() string {
 }
 
 func (pkt *Base) createConnectionID() {
+	// TODO: make this ID not depend on the packet direction for better support for forwarded packets.
 	if pkt.info.Protocol == TCP || pkt.info.Protocol == UDP {
 		if pkt.info.Inbound {
 			pkt.connID = fmt.Sprintf("%d-%s-%d-%s-%d", pkt.info.Protocol, pkt.info.Dst, pkt.info.DstPort, pkt.info.Src, pkt.info.SrcPort)
@@ -236,6 +243,7 @@ type Packet interface {
 	RerouteToNameserver() error
 	RerouteToTunnel() error
 	FastTrackedByIntegration() bool
+	InfoOnly() bool
 
 	// Info.
 	SetCtx(context.Context)
diff --git a/network/packet/packetinfo.go b/network/packet/packetinfo.go
index 4d7c997b..37f40216 100644
--- a/network/packet/packetinfo.go
+++ b/network/packet/packetinfo.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package packet
 
 import (
 	"net"
+	"time"
 )
 
 // Info holds IP and TCP/UDP header information.
@@ -14,7 +15,8 @@ type Info struct {
 	SrcPort, DstPort uint16
 	Src, Dst         net.IP
 
-	PID uint32
+	PID    int
+	SeenAt time.Time
 }
 
 // LocalIP returns the local IP of the packet.
diff --git a/network/ports.go b/network/ports.go
index a0982461..ab870ff0 100644
--- a/network/ports.go
+++ b/network/ports.go
@@ -28,13 +28,18 @@ nextPort:
 		// Check if the generated port is unused.
 	nextConnection:
 		for _, conn := range allConns {
-			// Skip connection if the protocol does not match the protocol of interest.
-			if conn.Entity.Protocol != protocol {
+			switch {
+			case !conn.DataIsComplete():
+				// Skip connection if the data is not complete.
 				continue nextConnection
-			}
-			// Skip port if the local port is in dangerous proximity.
-			// Consecutive port numbers are very common.
-			if conn.LocalPort <= port && conn.LocalPort >= portRangeStart {
+
+			case conn.Entity.Protocol != protocol:
+				// Skip connection if the protocol does not match the protocol of interest.
+				continue nextConnection
+
+			case conn.LocalPort <= port && conn.LocalPort >= portRangeStart:
+				// Skip port if the local port is in dangerous proximity.
+				// Consecutive port numbers are very common.
 				continue nextPort
 			}
 		}
diff --git a/process/find.go b/process/find.go
index beb2a57e..41d1459a 100644
--- a/process/find.go
+++ b/process/find.go
@@ -14,43 +14,19 @@ import (
 	"github.com/safing/portmaster/profile"
 )
 
-// GetProcessByConnection returns the process that owns the described connection.
-func GetProcessByConnection(ctx context.Context, pktInfo *packet.Info) (process *Process, connInbound bool, err error) {
+// GetProcessWithProfile returns the process, including the profile.
+// Always returns valid data.
+// Errors are logged and returned for information or special handling purposes.
+func GetProcessWithProfile(ctx context.Context, pid int) (process *Process, err error) {
 	if !enableProcessDetection() {
 		log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: process detection disabled")
-		return GetUnidentifiedProcess(ctx), pktInfo.Inbound, nil
-	}
-
-	// Use fast search for inbound packets, as the listening socket should
-	// already be there for a while now.
-	fastSearch := pktInfo.Inbound
-
-	var pid int
-	if pktInfo.PID == 0 {
-		log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: getting pid from system network state")
-		pid, connInbound, err = state.Lookup(pktInfo, fastSearch)
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: failed to find PID of connection: %s", err)
-			return nil, pktInfo.Inbound, err
-		}
-	} else {
-		log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: pid already set in packet (by ebpf or kext)")
-		pid = int(pktInfo.PID)
-	}
-
-	// Fallback to special profiles if PID could not be found.
-	if pid == UndefinedProcessID {
-		if connInbound {
-			pid = UnsolicitedProcessID
-		} else {
-			pid = UnidentifiedProcessID
-		}
+		return GetUnidentifiedProcess(ctx), nil
 	}
 
 	process, err = GetOrFindProcess(ctx, pid)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Tracer(ctx).Debugf("process: failed to find (primary) process with PID: %s", err)
-		return nil, connInbound, err
+		log.Tracer(ctx).Warningf("process: failed to find process with PID: %s", err)
+		return GetUnidentifiedProcess(ctx), err
 	}
 
 	changed, err := process.GetProfile(ctx)
@@ -62,7 +38,46 @@ func GetProcessByConnection(ctx context.Context, pktInfo *packet.Info) (process
 		process.Save()
 	}
 
-	return process, connInbound, nil
+	return process, nil
+}
+
+// GetPidOfConnection returns the PID of the process that owns the described connection.
+// Always returns valid data.
+// Errors are logged and returned for information or special handling purposes.
+func GetPidOfConnection(ctx context.Context, pktInfo *packet.Info) (pid int, connInbound bool, err error) {
+	if !enableProcessDetection() {
+		return UnidentifiedProcessID, pktInfo.Inbound, nil
+	}
+
+	// Use fast search for inbound packets, as the listening socket should
+	// already be there for a while now.
+	fastSearch := pktInfo.Inbound
+	connInbound = pktInfo.Inbound
+
+	// FIXME: Only match for UndefinedProcessID when integrations have been updated.
+	if pktInfo.PID <= 0 {
+		log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: getting pid from system network state")
+		pid, connInbound, err = state.Lookup(pktInfo, fastSearch)
+		if err != nil {
+			err = fmt.Errorf("failed to find PID of connection: %w", err)
+			log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: %s", err)
+			pid = UndefinedProcessID
+		}
+	} else {
+		log.Tracer(ctx).Tracef("process: pid already set in packet (by ebpf or kext)")
+		pid = pktInfo.PID
+	}
+
+	// Fallback to special profiles if PID could not be found.
+	if pid == UndefinedProcessID {
+		if connInbound && !netutils.ClassifyIP(pktInfo.Dst).IsLocalhost() {
+			pid = UnsolicitedProcessID
+		} else {
+			pid = UnidentifiedProcessID
+		}
+	}
+
+	return pid, connInbound, err
 }
 
 // GetNetworkHost returns a *Process that represents a host on the network.
@@ -113,7 +128,12 @@ func GetProcessByRequestOrigin(ar *api.Request) (*Process, error) {
 		SrcPort:  remotePort, // source as in the process we are looking for
 	}
 
-	proc, _, err := GetProcessByConnection(ar.Context(), pkt)
+	pid, _, err := GetPidOfConnection(ar.Context(), pkt)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	proc, err := GetProcessWithProfile(ar.Context(), pid)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
diff --git a/process/process.go b/process/process.go
index 3d386b37..3f2779f9 100644
--- a/process/process.go
+++ b/process/process.go
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ func loadProcess(ctx context.Context, key string, pInfo *processInfo.Process) (*
 	}
 
 	// UID
-	// net yet implemented for windows
+	// TODO: implemented for windows
 	if onLinux {
 		var uids []int32
 		uids, err = pInfo.UidsWithContext(ctx)