VPN vs. Firewall: Their Roles and Differences in Cybersecurity

Online security is something everyone should pay special attention to because there are many cyber threats, including data theft and even user account hacking. The tools commonly used to protect data online that many people are familiar with are VPNs and Firewalls. Both serve different functions in enhancing security, but how do they differ? Today, Big Cow will take you to find the answer.

The difference between a VPN and a Firewall

VPN (Virtual Private Network) and Firewall are tools that can work together but have different functions. VPN helps protect users' privacy and data, while Firewall acts as a barrier against external attacks. This is the key point that gives both distinct roles in cybersecurity.

Let's get to know what a firewall is and how it works.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls network data transmission according to predefined rules to prevent malware, hacking, and unauthorized access. Companies use firewalls to protect internal data and improve efficiency by blocking unnecessary websites, while individuals can use firewalls to prevent cyber threats.

Firewalls come in several types, including Stateless Packet-Filtering Firewalls, which are basic and only check IP and ports; Stateful Firewalls, which analyze data by considering the state of the network; and Proxy Firewalls, which act as gateways between the internal network and the internet, with various security settings.

How does a firewall work?

All data transmitted over the network, such as emails, downloaded files, and website data, are sent in the form of "data packets." The firewall checks these packets according to predefined rules, such as source, destination, type of data, IP address, and port number, and then decides whether to allow or block them. This continuous monitoring helps prevent online threats.

Although firewalls can control both inbound and outbound traffic, in some cases, they may not be configured to block outbound traffic. However, blocking suspicious outbound traffic can help reduce damage if the network is attacked by malicious actors.

Types of Firewall

Firewalls are divided into two main types: software firewalls and hardware firewalls.

Software Firewall

Firewall software is a program installed on devices such as computers. Popular operating systems like macOS and Windows often come with basic firewall software, but more advanced feature-rich software can be installed.

The advantages of firewall software

• Usually available for free, most operating systems come with a built-in firewall.
• Easy to use, just activate and set it up on the device.

Hardware Firewall

A hardware firewall is a device that connects between a network and the internet, functioning to analyze and block potentially harmful traffic, such as malware.

The advantages of hardware firewalls

• Set up just one device to reduce the burden of configuring multiple devices.
• Preventing before the data reaches the device, unlike software that filters the data once it has arrived at the machine.
• Highly flexible, capable of setting detailed traffic filtering rules.
• Does not reduce device performance because the processing occurs at the firewall instead.

Although hardware firewalls are more expensive than software firewalls, they offer stronger security, making them suitable for organizations or users who require high-level protection.

After getting to know the Firewall, next, Brother Cow will introduce you to VPN. Let's go! 🐮🌐

Get to know what a VPN is and how it works?

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is a data encryption program originally created to prevent data leaks or unauthorized access to information. The owner of the VPN can also define the routing paths of the data. For example, Company A has an internal system that outsiders cannot access. To use the system, one must use a computer within the office.

• Currently, VPNs can be used to access websites or servers that are not accessible in unauthorized regions.
• Watching foreign streaming videos
• Playing games on foreign servers
• Using applications in countries where they are not authorized in case of traveling abroad

How does a VPN work?

VPN is a technology that helps create a secure connection between your device and the internet by encrypting all data transmitted over the network. This makes the data sent uncatchable and can hide the user's IP address, making your internet usage more secure and private.

Summary of the functions of VPN and Firewall: VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that helps conceal the user's identity and encrypt data through a VPN Tunnel, making the user's real IP address hidden and replaced with the IP of the VPN server. This prevents data interception and enhances privacy while using the internet. Meanwhile, a Firewall acts as a protective barrier for the network by filtering and controlling traffic entering and leaving the system, allowing only safe traffic and blocking unwanted traffic such as malware or cyber attacks. Therefore, VPN focuses on data protection and hiding the user's identity, while Firewall emphasizes protecting the network from threats that may arise from the internet. Using both technologies together enhances network security more effectively.

When should you use a Firewall with a VPN?

Both Firewall and VPN play important roles, but they should be used in different situations.

• Use a firewall when you want to protect your network from external attacks by controlling connections from the internet to your network.
• Use a VPN when you want to protect your privacy and data while browsing the web or working from anywhere, such as a public Wi-Fi connection, which is not secure.

Should I use both a Firewall and a VPN?

Using both a VPN and a Firewall together will enhance security even more because the two tools work in different ways. The Firewall acts as a barrier against external threats, while the VPN helps protect personal data and makes web browsing safer. Therefore, using both tools is an effective way to enhance security.

Can a VPN bypass a firewall?

Using a VPN can help bypass Firewall blocks in some cases because VPNs encrypt data and hide the user's IP address, making it difficult for the Firewall to detect that the user is connecting to a VPN server. However, sometimes Firewalls can be configured to block VPN connections.

Can a firewall block a VPN connection?

Some types of firewalls can block connections to VPNs by detecting and blocking the ports used by the VPN or even scanning the data transmitted over the network. If it is found to be a connection to a VPN, the connection will be blocked.

How to check if the firewall is blocking the VPN

If your VPN cannot connect, it may be due to a firewall blocking the usage. Here are the signs that indicate the firewall might be the cause.

• Unable to connect to the VPN on some networks, but it works normally on others. This indicates that those networks may have firewalls blocking the VPN.
• The internet is unusually slow after trying to connect to the VPN, which may be due to a restrictive firewall or blocking of certain traffic.
• Received an error message (Error Message) Some firewalls may display a warning message indicating that they are blocking the VPN connection.

Bypass the Great Firewall in China with a VPN

Great Firewall in China

As we know, using services like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and various websites in China is not easy because the Great Firewall blocks direct access to these websites. If you want to use these services in China, you will need to use a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall's restrictions.

💡Get to know the Great Firewall better

Using a VPN as a tool to bypass website blocks in China

The easiest and safest way to bypass the Great Firewall is to use a VPN service, which will help keep your internet connection secure and avoid Chinese government censorship. With a VPN, you can connect to servers abroad and safely access websites blocked by the Great Firewall.
For effective VPN use to bypass the Great Firewall I recommend BullVPN, which is a stable and secure VPN service. It allows you to connect to the internet quickly and safely without worrying about blocks or access restrictions from the Great Firewall, whether you are in China or anywhere else.

How to Use BullVPN

1.Sign up for BullVPN at: https://www.bullvpn.com/en/signup

2.Download the BullVPN app after signing up, and install it on your device.

• BullVPN Windows 
• BullVPN iOS (iPhone & iPad)
• BullVPN Android
• BullVPN Mac
• BullVPN Chrome Extension
• BullVPN Andriod TV

3.Once connected to VPN, choose a server in a country where you can access Facebook, IG, TikTok, or Google, such as Thailand, Japan, Canada, South Korea, or Vietnam.

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