In the discussion about which security measure is better for your desktop computer or mobile device, firewalls and Virtual Private Networks often get the first two spots, meaning that they are the two preferred ways to protect one’s assets online. Antivirus software can also be useful, depending on what you are trying to achieve.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but a combination of the three would significantly increase online security and diminish the risk of theft, data leakage, infected files and other threats and dangers that the Internet can represent on a daily basis.

An essential part of this debate is to understand the main differences between a firewall and a Virtual Private Network.

VPN vs. Firewall: which one is the most effective?

Firewall

The word itself explains the definition of Firewall. It is a barrier method, which can be either hardware or software, that selects who (or what, if we are talking about files that you want to download or use) gains access to a determinate network or device and who does not.

The Firewall is previously configured to allow specific IP addresses to “cross,” or gain access through the Firewall and enjoy the benefits derived from this: entering particular pages, enjoying video streaming at the workplace that is blocked to the majority of users, and so on.

To perform this “cleansing” process, the Firewall implements packet filtering. It can be done to control access from IP addresses in a private network for work, school or even home matters, or on a more significant scale, which is where Internet access control comes to play.

The downside of Firewalls is that it can allow or deny access to ports, or locations, but there is not a way for a Firewall to determine which type of data it may let enter the system it is supposed to be protecting. A Firewall can allow infected files without knowing it.

Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is an online tool that implements a data and traffic tunneling feature. It means that the user will be protected against costly data leaks, for example, the passwords of its social media favorite outlets and its credit card information.

Thanks to encryption technologies such as TLS, L2TP, IPSec or SSL, Virtual Private Networks can protect the user’s data and offer him, or her, a better, safer and more private online browsing experience.

The benefits that a VPN offers are more varied than those of the Firewall. For example, the use of a VPN is not only for security: it allows you to bypass and unblock geographically restricted content around the web.

If you are in Mexico and you want to access Star Sports’ grid of live games, debate shows and highlights of your favorite leagues, you can establish connection with the VPN of your choice, select an Indian server that provides you with an Indian VPN address and the service will think your connection is coming from India, not from Mexico.

Some VPN options may make your connection speed decrease a little bit, approximately by 10%, but the privacy and added features make it one of the favorite choices for both particular people and big companies and enterprises looking to communicate more privately.

Which one is the better security measure, VPN or Firewall?

In conclusion, a Firewall is a hardware or software tool that is configured to act as a security guard: it allows or denies access to a series of previously determined addresses or locations, whereas a VPN creates a virtual tunnel that will protect the user’s traffic.

So, who wins the battle? VPN or Firewall? As it happens with everything in life, it depends almost entirely on what you want to achieve and how you want to do it. If you take the two worst-case scenarios of each method, you may think that allowing an infected file pass through your device is not as severe as having a hacker stealing your passwords and money. This and the bonus of having access to online streaming content from almost any country in the world can give VPN the small edge over Firewalls, although it goes without saying that the best idea might be to implement both in addition to an antivirus software.

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