VPNs And Firewalls: The Differences And Why You Need Both?
By Sumona
When it comes to protecting your network infrastructure, a firewall and VPN will play an important role for you.
Nonetheless, although their end goal is the same, they generally don’t work in a similar manner.
Let’s keep reading to learn more about them.
What Is A VPN?
Also known as a virtual private network, a VPN usually focuses on making you invisible on the facet of the internet. With it, you can hide your IP address and user location from anyone working in the same network vicinity. Hence, it becomes impossible for them to track you.
Usually, a VPN can be used in three different cases. These are –
1. Protect your browsing data while you’re working on the internet. 2. Access a business or home network from another server. 3. Connect two sites together and lower the risk of interception
Usually, if you’re considering downloading something from a torrent website, like RarBG, be sure to use a VPN. This will prevent someone else from entering your network or injectify a malware program within it. And, that’s where the task of a VPN ends.
What Is A Firewall System?
Unlike a VPN, a firewall system works at the front of your network infrastructure. When you activate it, the module will begin analyzing each and every data packet passing over the web.
Aside from the usual, it’ll also follow through with the available content and the security risk of their destination. If it finds something out of the norm, it’ll stop the transfer immediately.
Sometimes, while opening a website, you might see a message called “network error.” This usually occurs because your firewall has blocked you from entering.
Firewall And VPN – The Differences
As I’ve mentioned before, the end goal of both a VPN and a firewall is the same – protecting your network system.
However, their way of doing things is a little different.
Difference – 1: Primary Aim
The primary aim of a VPN is to avoid a man-in-the-middle attack. And, it does so by making your IP address invisible, so that no one can track you. However, even if you are opting for a premium version of the same, it won’t be able to block anything.
On the other hand, a firewall is all about forbidding access to almost any network content if it is infected by malware. Apart from this, it can also protect your local network from a remote attack deployed by a hacker on your network. So, in terms of security, it’s a little better.
Difference – 2: Configuration
When you’re configuring a firewall, you’ll need to focus on each and every interface it’ll get connected to. For example, if you’re at your home, you’ll need to set it up with both your LAN and the internet. You may have to work a little more in an office environment.
Conversely, a VPN configuration is much easier. All you need to do is download the software from the internet and install it. Now, open it and choose your preferred networks, like the USA or the United Kingdom. This will teleport your IP address to that country.
Difference – 3: Setup Location
When installing a firewall, you’ll need to set it up between two different networks. It’ll work as the core connection point for your system.
However, VPNs will need to be set up on the two network points you want to connect to. It’s going to create a link between them and work as a bridge.
So, Which One Should You Go For?
Ideally, if you want to protect your network from the prying eyes on the internet, it’s best to install both a VPN and a firewall. With them, you can keep your IP address well hidden from anyone. And, while you’re at it, the firewall will protect your network from getting accessed.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you might fail to afford both. After all, handling both a VPN and a firewall can be quite expensive. So, in that case, I’ll ask you to go for a firewall rather than its other network-related counterpart. It’ll make your network much more secure.
Anyway, that’ll be all for this blog. If you need anything else, catch me up in the comment section below. I’ll try my best to help you out. Have a good day!
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