Every time you go online for work, streaming, or just scrolling, you are sharing more information than you might realize. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself, and this is where tools like VPN and Firewall can make a real difference. While VPN and Firewall look similar, they are not the same. Learn more about VPN and Firewall here, their differences, and how to make good use of them to protect yourself.
Content
- What Is a VPN
- What Is a Firewall
- The Differences Between a VPN and a Firewall
- When to Use a VPN
- When to Use a Firewall
- Can I Use a VPN and Firewall at the Same Time?
What Is a VPN
What we search, view, or do on the internet is not as private as we often think it is. Ever felt you are being watched online? That’s because, in many ways, you are. This is where a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, comes in.
How VPN works is by creating an encrypted connection between you and the internet. It swaps your IP (your online address) with that of a secure location, which makes it feel like you are using the internet from another location in the world.
Let’s say you’re browsing the internet from home. Your IP address can easily reveal your location and other details about your connection. A VPN changes this by routing your traffic through one of its secure servers, making it appear as if you’re accessing the content from somewhere else.
This mechanism doesn’t just hide your identity but also adds a layer of security. If someone like a hacker or even your internet service provider tries to see what you’re doing online, all they’ll see is encrypted data that doesn’t reveal anything meaningful.
What Is a Firewall
A firewall is a digital barrier that all online traffic must go through to reach your device or network. It will scan and filter this traffic, letting only the trusted connections in. Anything that is suspicious or contains a potential threat will be blocked by the firewall.
As an example, if you’ve ever tried to access a website or use an app and found it blocked with an error something like “access denied” or “blocked by security policy,” that’s likely a firewall at work.
Firewalls come in different forms, from software that runs on your computer to hardware devices used by businesses to protect larger networks. When installed on your computer, they continuously scan for anything suspicious, such as unauthorized programs trying to connect to your system, and block potential threats before they can cause harm.
The Differences Between a VPN and a Firewall
The main purpose of a VPN and firewall is different. A VPN focuses on privacy and encryption, while a firewall is all about controlling access and blocking potential threats.
VPN is essentially a privacy tool. It hides your IP address, encrypts your internet traffic, and makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location. All of this makes your data unreadable to hackers or anyone who tries to spy on you. However, it won’t protect you from malware and viruses. This, in fact, is one of the most common VPN myths out there.
A firewall, on the other hand, acts as a wall between your device/network and potential threats. It scans the incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules and then decides what is safe to let in. For example, if a suspicious app tries to send data from your computer, a firewall can block it before it steals your data.
Simply put, the VPN protects what you send out, and the firewall safeguards what tries to come in.
When to Use a VPN
You should use a VPN whenever you want to keep your online activity private, protect your data, or access content that isn’t available in your location.
Some common use cases are:
- Using public Wi-Fi: Free connections, while convenient, come at a cost. The networks at hotels, cafés, airports, etc. are mostly unsecured, which makes it easy for hackers to intercept your data. A VPN can safeguard your online activities by encrypting your data.
- Accessing geo-restricted content: If a show or website is blocked in your region, a VPN can make it look like you are in a different (and eligible) place, allowing you access.
- Maintaining privacy: Everyday browsing can leave a trail of data. If you want to keep your IP address and your activity private, a VPN can help.
- Avoiding slowdowns: A VPN can also stop your internet provider from throttling your connection during streaming or downloading.
When to Use a Firewall
Some common situations where using a firewall is essential include:
- Protecting your network: a Firewall blocks unauthorized access to your system, allowing you to stay safe at both home and work.
- Preventing malware: If a suspicious program tries to send or receive data, a firewall can detect and block it before it harms your device or steals your information.
- Using unsecured networks: Even on personal devices, a firewall adds an extra layer of protection when connecting to less secure networks.
Can I Use a VPN and Firewall at the Same Time?
Yes, you can absolutely use a VPN and a firewall at the same time, and in many cases, it’s a smart choice. Both tools complement each other to provide a stronger layer of protection.
When using them together, a VPN will focus on encrypting your data and keeping your online activity private, while a firewall will monitor and filter the traffic trying to enter or leave your device or network.
Protecting your online privacy is more important than ever. Tools like VPNs and firewalls can play a significant role in safeguarding your digital life. If you are new to exploring these tools and don’t want to pay for a service just yet, there are quite a few free VPN and firewall options that can help.
Image credit: Pixabay
Zainab Falak –
Staff Writer
Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she’s not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you’ll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.
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