What’s The Difference Between VPNs and Firewalls?

What’s The Difference Between VPNs and Firewalls?

Key points in this article:

•     Showing how VPNs and firewalls don’t perform the same function
•     How having both would help develop a secure remote environment
•     Help you understand what a VPN and a Firewall is.

What is a Firewall?

Your firewall is your first line of defense for keeping your information safe and is a type of solution that maintains the security of your network. It blocks unauthorized users from gaining access to your data which could harm your business. Firewalls are deployed via hardware, software, or a combination of the two. Many businesses also employ data encryption for an extra layer of security.

A firewall inspects and filters incoming and outgoing data in the following ways:

• With Packet Filtering filters incoming and outgoing data and accepts or rejects it depending on your predefined rules.
• By using a Circuit-Level Gateway when a connection such as a Transmission Control Protocol is made, and small pieces called packets are transported.
• With Proxy Servers: Proxy servers mask your true network address and capture every message that enters or leaves your network.
• Using Stateful Inspection or Dynamic Packet Filtering to compare a packet’s critical data parts. These are compared to a trusted information database to decide if the information is authorized.

What is a Virtual Private Network?

A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data to transit the Internet, using a network of private servers. When you use a VPN, your data is encrypted, or hidden, as it moves from your device to the VPN and continues onto the Internet through an exit node. A VPN creates the appearance that your data is coming from the VPN server, not from your device.

Therefore, it’s harder for an attacker to identify you as the source of the data. Even if attackers can intercept your data, encryption means the attackers can’t understand your data or use it to their advantage. When you put your data out to the VPN server, it exits back out to the public internet.

Which Should You Use and why?

If you want to be as secure as possible, you should use both technologies. A VPN will keep your activity private without affecting your speeds, and a firewall will keep malicious intruders out of your network (and any devices connected to it).

If you still have questions or would like to secure your company reach out to N-Tech Consulting at 855-711-6601.