Firewall vs. VPN: Which is Better for Protecting CMS Data

 – Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft)

We all know how important it is to safeguard the data within our content management system (CMS). When it comes to this, Firewall and Virtual Private Networks, (VPN) are the two names you will get to hear. But what is the difference between the two, and which is best for this job? I know some of you must be having such doubts, I had the same questions.

I got the answer to my questions after researching and talking to a friend who is a network security engineer. To save you from all that hassle, I’ve made a simple comparison between the two, which will help you understand how both of these networks work and will answer all of your related queries.

So read till the end and uncover the information you need.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall acts as a barrier between the trusted internal network and the untrusted external network, and it monitors the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predominantly set rules.

Let me make this concept simpler for you, think of it as a security gate. Now, whenever some data traffic tries to enter your network, the guards at these security gates check the traffic according to the rules and decide if it should enter your network or not. If the conditions are met and rules are followed, this firewall/security gate opens the door and allows the traffic through.

FUN FACT 
The term “firewall” originates from fire protection in buildings. In construction, a firewall is a barrier built to prevent the spread of fire. Similarly, network firewalls act as a barrier to prevent malicious traffic from “spreading” into your network. 

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network or VPN is used to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, this prevents any outsider from tampering or intercepting your data. It makes the operations more secure and private for you by masking your real IP address.

You can imagine it as a secret tunnel from your house (computer) to your destination (remote server). This secret tunnel can keep your journey safe from prying eyes. Similarly, VPNs also save you from tracking networks and conceal your IP address.

How do Firewalls Protect CMS Data?

As I mentioned before, a Firewall acts like a security gate that filters, monitors, and blocks malicious traffic from entering your system. This gate protects the CMS data by –

• Restricting unauthorized access.

• Defending against various forms of threats including DDoS, cross-site scripting, and SQL injection attacks.

• Monitoring network traffic for any suspicious activity.

How do VPNs Protect CMS Data?

From the comparison I made above, we know that a VPN provides a safe and secure tunnel for the data traffic between the server or user to the CMS server. This tunnel helps in protecting CMS data by –

• Keeping your identity and real IP address hidden.

• Allowing users to connect to different locations around the globe, while concealing your real location.

• Protecting against DDoS, malware, and phishing attacks.

Also, a quick fun fact, around 1.5 billion people around the world rely on VPN to keep their data safe and its market size is currently worth USD 72.89. These numbers are expected to grow significantly in the future, which can be observed from the graph below.

Which VPN is Best for CMS?

Now that I have discussed the major points about the two tools, I think it would be best if I recommend some effective VPN services for CMS. Some of the powerful VPNs available in the market include Express VPN, Symlex VPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access(PIA), and Surfshark.

Personally, I found Symlex VPN to be the most effective and works best for me, with just a single click it enables me to enjoy a superfast connection no matter where I go.

In the end, I hope that through this article, I was able to answer all your questions related to Firewalls and VPNs, and now you can identify which tool to use according to your needs. Remember that the best defense against cyber threats is a well-informed user, so stay informed and stay safe!