Protecting your smart home from threats that lay out there in the big bad digital world, like phishing scams, malware, hacks, etc., is a major concern that, if you aren’t already worried about, you absolutely should be. In order to protect ourselves, both businesses and individuals make use of two tools called VPNs and firewalls. If you’ve been around computers and IT people for any amount of time, you might have heard of them. However, which one is better for the specific purpose of home security? Let’s break that down in this blog post, shall we?
VPN is an acronym that stands for Virtual Private Network, and it establishes a secure connection between your device and the internet by encrypting your data. What does that mean? Well, consider it to be a secret passage that you take, through which your activity gets hidden. Your IP address is an indication of where you are, and a VPN routes your connection through a server that masks your real IP address. For example, you might’ve heard the hack that you can access websites that are blocked in your country using a VPN, as it will route your connection through the server of another country, causing the website to assume you’re actually accessing it from that country and granting access.
However, while VPN protect your data in transit, they don’t provide protection against all types of threats, such as malware or unauthorized access to your local network.
A firewall is an actual wall built into buildings to prevent fire from spreading from one room to another. In tech, firewalls do something similar (and yes, that is where they got their name from). It stops harmful things, like viruses or hackers, from spreading through your network or computer, creating a barrier between your system and potential threats. It does so by constantly monitoring and controlling the flow of data between your devices and the internet. Firewalls can be either hardware-based (installed on a physical device) or software-based (installed on your router or computer). Many home users opt for both types because when you’re preparing for trouble, you better make it double.
Both VPNs and Firewalls are useful tools for network security, but as established, they are indeed different in more than a single way. Let’s compare the two head-on:
| Feature | VPN | Firewall |
| Function | Encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. | Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. |
| What it Actually Does | Protects online privacy and secures data during internet use. | Secures the local network from unauthorized access or threats. |
| Data Encryption | Yes, encrypts all data sent over the internet. | No, does not encrypt data; focuses on traffic filtering instead. |
| Scope of Protection | Shields your identity and data from external snooping (e.g., ISPs, hackers). | Blocks malware, phishing scams, and other cyber threats from entering your system. |
| Compatibility | Can be used across devices (phones, laptops, tablets). | Protects all devices connected to the same network. |
| Cost | Subscription fees for premium VPNs; some free options available. | Often included with routers or operating systems; advanced ones can be purchased. |
Read Also: Regular Data Backups: The Importance of Protecting Your Digital Assets
Reading the above lines explaining the two and pointing out their differences, it might seem like they are the sheer opposite of each other. VPNs allow you to access restricted content safely, whereas firewalls do the restricting.
At first glance, it might look like they work against each other, but that isn’t the case—they actually complement each other. Think of it this way: where there’s trouble, you double up. Using both is the ideal plan of action. A VPN encrypts your online activities to protect your data from hackers, while a firewall blocks harmful traffic before it can reach your devices. Together, they create what’s known as layered protection.
By combining these tools, you build multiple layers of defense against various types of threats, safeguarding smart home devices that are especially vulnerable to attacks.
For the complete package, it is best to make use of both VPNs and firewalls. While a VPN secures your online privacy and data, a firewall defends your network from external threats and unauthorized access; with bother working together to protect your home work and smart home device. If you’re unsure about how to set up or configure a VPN or firewall, its best to seek professional guidance as setting them up without prior technical knowledge can be quite a challenge.
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