What’s the Difference Between VPNs and Firewalls?
Firewalls and VPNs are two different types of security tools. Both are effective in filtering data packets and sending them securely. However, VPNs are more expensive, while firewalls are less expensive. But what are the differences between firewalls and VPNs | Fortinet? Read on to learn the differences between them and some advantages and disadvantages of each. And find out which one is right for your company.
Web application firewalls (WAFs) filter data packets
WAFs are network appliances that filter data packets to protect the web application from malicious attack traffic. They can be network-based, software-based, cloud-based, or virtual. WAFs monitor and analyze HTTP and HTTPS traffic to detect malicious code and eliminate it before it reaches your web application. Depending on how they are configured, WAFs can help protect your web application from SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, and phishing attacks.
A WAF filters data packets based on rules. These rules are made to determine whether traffic is benign or malicious and approve or deny the traffic accordingly. This method is less resource-intensive than blacklisting, but it may also block some legitimate traffic. The rules and policies used by a WAF are more complex and specific than those of a traditional firewall. Cloud-based WAFs are easy to install and manage. They are more cost-efficient, require less infrastructure, and don’t require any upfront investment. Cloud-based WAFs are often delivered as a SaaS solution by a vendor. They can be installed and configured by changing DNS, and they are frequently updated. They also provide CDN for website caching. A cloud-based WAF is a more flexible and affordable option, but you’ll likely be limited in customization options.
They are less expensive than VPNs
While VPNs may be the best option for many businesses, firewalls are often less costly. There are two main reasons for this, and both have their advantages:
Firewalls have more robust security and are usually less expensive than VPNs.
They are often built into standard PCs and run on multiple processors. It gives them a huge price advantage over VPNs.
Firewalls are easier to install and manage.
While VPNs are less expensive than firewalls, they still come with a price tag. Firewalls can cost upwards of $400 or $500 for small businesses and between $10k and $100k for average companies. In addition, the hardware costs anywhere from $1500 to $4000. Therefore, a VPN is a better option for businesses that want to provide a secure connection for remote workers and branch offices. However, the price difference can be small or large depending on the type of firewall you need.
Both firewalls and VPNs are excellent tools to secure the IT assets of a business. This is because both have the same purpose – to secure communications. But firewalls are more expensive than VPNs and aren’t necessary for small businesses. Furthermore, firewalls can be configured to block unwanted internet traffic, track intrusion attempts, and prevent unauthorized access. These advantages are why savvy businesses and individuals use VPNs. Another option is to outsource IT support for your business, and these IT assets are offered as part of the service. It’s less expensive that way for either VPN or firewall, and you’re getting a secured service from experts.
They transmit sensitive data securely.
VPNs and firewalls can help send and receive sensitive data, but the information cannot be accepted or sent without proper encryption. IP addresses are a string of numbers that identify a computer that uses the Internet Protocol. In addition to IP addresses, VPNs use protocols known as IPsec, which encrypt data between two points. Without these protocols, VPNs cannot securely transmit data. These protocols are implemented on routers and firewalls.
In addition to encrypting data, a VPN allows anonymous Internet connections. Therefore, it can be beneficial for sensitive data transmission and remote control. In particular, it is important to protect data transmission and privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks. Because your IP address is publicly displayed, identity thieves and cybercriminals can use it to obtain sensitive personal information, including your bank account and credit card numbers. In addition, VPNs help prevent your personal information from being collected and accessed by third parties.