Why even when using a VPN, should you also use a firewall?
To browse the internet completely safely, there are several programs we can use. We can mention antivirus software, a VPN, and a firewall. In this article, we'll focus on the latter two options. Why, even if you're using a VPN, is it necessary to also have a firewall? We'll explain what you should consider and why a firewall is important for browsing.
Keep in mind that a VPN is great for encrypting your internet connection when connected to public networks, but it can also hide your IP address and allow you to access certain services that might otherwise be restricted. A firewall, as we'll explain, has a different purpose when it comes to protecting your connection.
A firewall is necessary even if you use a VPN.
But why is it necessary to have a firewall, even if you're using a VPN? The main reason is that a VPN will have the ability to encrypt your traffic and hide your location, but it won't block malicious traffic. On the other hand, a firewall will be able to block malicious connections that could compromise your security.
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Essentially, a firewall has the ability to filter which traffic it allows and which it doesn't. For example, you can create rules so that traffic from a specific domain cannot be allowed or so that a specific application cannot connect to the internet. A VPN doesn't have this capability, although it can allow a program to bypass geo-blocking, for example.
A firewall can partially block a program from connecting. For example, it might be configured to prevent a messaging program from downloading files or to prevent voice calls from using an application. These are not available in VPNs, so they would be complementary programs.
- Choose the best programs
When using a VPN, as well as when using a firewall to better protect yourself online, it's very important to use secure applications. There are many options available, both free and paid, but not all of them will work well to protect your data. Ideally, you should always use software you can trust. This means reading reviews from other users, as well as independent reports, is extremely important. This is especially true when it comes to applications designed to maintain security.
When using a VPN, free VPNs can generally be problematic. They don't encrypt your connection well and can expose your data. We recommend some like Surfshark or NordVPN. Always make sure they are configured properly and don't put your browsing data at risk.
The same thing happens when using a firewall. Additionally, we recommend complementing it with a good antivirus program. On the one hand, it will be able to detect threats in the form of malware, but it can also block connections that could cause problems.
In short, you can use a VPN and a firewall as well. They're integrated and will help you gain greater control over your security when browsing the internet. You can avoid problems and make your connection more secure.
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