Almost certainly, you’ve heard of a firewall. Perhaps you’ve heard of a VPN. However, what is the distinction?
As a general rule, a firewall protects the network’s entry point, but a VPN encrypts network traffic between two points. While firewalls use a set of rules to restrict data, VPNs establish an encrypted tunnel between two networks.
While firewalls, VPNs, and antivirus are excellent tools for defending against network security threats, they are not interchangeable.
Given that we live in an age when the majority of people are hyper-aware of germs and what they touch, perhaps the simplest way to describe the difference between a firewall and a VPN is as follows:
Consider a firewall to be a rubber glove. It prevents harmful substances from reaching you. (However, it also accomplishes additional tasks — which we will discuss.)
A VPN is more akin to an invisible cloak. It conceals your location and actions from the evil guys. Unfortunately, it is incapable of blocking viruses, which is why it is usually a good idea to couple a VPN with a firewall (and antivirus software).
Businesses typically use VPNs to enable staff to safely access remote servers from locations outside the office, while individuals use VPNs to surf the web in their favorite coffee shop. Firewalls are used to secure computers and gadgets on both household and corporate networks.
What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
A VPN conceals your IP address, which is a series of numbers that uniquely identifies your device. It works by diverting your network traffic through a remote server, shielding you from people attempting to ascertain your location and other sensitive information. When using public Wi-Fi or working remotely, a VPN is critical since it encrypts your traffic and safeguards your data in transit. It’s similar to a private line, allowing remote access to a corporate server or secure network.
When you connect to a VPN, your internet service provider, government websites, and frequently visited websites will be unaware of your true location. If you’re serious about browsing privacy and data security, the best option is to use a VPN.
On the other hand, as previously said, a VPN will not safeguard your computer against malware. VPNs do not support security rules. Antivirus software is required to detect and eliminate viruses. A firewall is required to prevent viruses from entering your network and to prevent data theft.
How do firewalls work?
A firewall monitors your network’s incoming and outgoing traffic. Firewalls automatically stop threats and also allow you to configure security settings for what you let into your network or PC. If you do not program a firewall to block a specific type of site, content, or traffic, it will not do so, even if it contains potentially harmful content.
Firewalls are classified into two types:
Firewalls, either hardware or network-based
Hardware firewalls are devices that are physically connected to your computer and the internet. Their disadvantage is that they are standalone devices that frequently require expert assistance to configure and maintain.
Software-based firewalls
Software firewalls can be used to restrict access to the internet and the behavior of programs running on your computer. Although the majority of computer operating systems (OSs) include a basic built-in software firewall, firewall software can also be purchased separately from computer stores and reputable online sellers.
Which one are you going to use?
Both! Configure a firewall and a VPN. A VPN, such as Tera VPN, conceals your online behavior and enables secure data transfer without degrading your connection – even on public Wi-Fi. However, it cannot safeguard your device against viruses or spyware that have been downloaded. You may still be exposed if you click on a malicious link on a malicious website. As a result, a firewall will alert you before visiting potentially hazardous websites.
Even if you do not consider yourself to be technically adept, Tera VPN’s basic controls enable it to be rapidly tailored to your preferences. A smart profile setting analyzes the number of devices connected to your network and automatically switches your profile to private or public mode to keep you safe from intruders.
It is critical to protect your network with an effective and robust firewall. It’s an excellent method of protecting your system from intrusion and data theft.