Why do you need both a VPN and a firewall?

Using a VPN alone won't fully protect you online. Understanding the difference between a VPN and a firewall, and why using them together provides better security, will help keep you safe.

What is the difference between VPN and firewall?

VPNs and firewalls both increase security, but they do so in different ways. VPNs encrypt your Internet connection, hide your IP address, and protect your online activity from prying eyes like your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Think of it as an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

In contrast, a firewall acts as a gatekeeper that controls traffic coming and going on your network, deciding what gets in and what gets out. While a VPN protects data in transit, a firewall actively monitors and blocks potentially harmful traffic, protecting your device from malware, phishing attacks, and other threats that a VPN alone can't address.

Why isn't a VPN alone enough for complete security?

Think a VPN alone can make you invisible? Think again. While VPNs provide valuable protection by encrypting your data, they don't provide complete anonymity or protection against every threat. Websites can still track you through cookies, browser fingerprinting, and other methods, even if your IP is hidden. And if your VPN provider logs any of your activity, that data could still be at risk if accessed.

VPNs also cannot protect against malware or phishing attacks, among the most common cybersecurity threats. While a VPN can secure data on a public network, it cannot identify or block malicious links and downloads.

The firewall aspect can protect you, but the VPN doesn't.

Have you ever wondered how a firewall keeps you safe online? While a VPN is all about privacy, a firewall plays a more active role; it constantly looks for any suspicious data trying to get through. By blocking unauthorized access, a firewall can stop malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats before they enter your system.

Norton 360, for example, includes both a VPN and a smart firewall. The VPN encrypts your Internet connection, keeping your data private, while Norton's smart firewall actively monitors and blocks any unwanted or suspicious traffic. Together, they create a stronger shield, protecting your online activity from prying eyes and protecting against potential cyber threats. For most users, this combination provides a convenient and effective way to enhance your privacy and security.

Why do you need both a VPN and a firewall?

The truth is, for the best security, use both a VPN and a firewall. A VPN hides your online activity and protects your data as it travels, while a firewall actively filters what goes in and out of your network. Together, they cover more ground, giving you a stronger shield against a wider range of threats.

Lesley Montoya

Update 09 December 2024