5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Firewall

You may have heard of VPNs and antivirus software as essential tools for maintaining your online security and privacy, but firewalls often get less attention. However, they are just as important when it comes to protecting your devices and data, especially as the number of cybersecurity risks increases.

If you take your online security seriously, there are five reasons why a personal firewall is a must-have.

1. Protection against unauthorized access

A firewall acts as a filter between outside traffic sources and your device. Without a firewall, your network and devices are open to any attempted connection, including malicious ones. Even if you practice safe browsing habits, a skilled hacker can still gain unauthorized access to your system without you even knowing it.

With a firewall, however, incoming and outgoing data is constantly scanned and filtered based on predefined security rules, ensuring that only trusted IP addresses can access your device. This gives you an additional layer of protection against malicious users and more control over your network and devices.

2. Network and port security

Modern operating systems come with built-in firewalls, but these provide limited protection, often extending only to the device on which the operating system is installed. This is rarely enough, as today’s home networks are connected to all sorts of IoT devices. These devices lack robust security features like built-in firewalls, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.

Unfortunately, the security of your home network depends on the least protected device on it, which is why it is useful to invest in a dedicated network firewall that will monitor traffic across devices and protect vulnerable ports. This will prevent hackers from exploiting any weaknesses in your network or opening up ports to launch attacks.

3. Protection of personal data

The distinction between home and office networks has become blurred in recent times, considering how many remote workers use their devices for both work and play. Since you may have sensitive data on your devices, even on your home network, setting up a firewall is even more important for you.

A firewall will ensure that all devices on the network are protected, so your personal or work data is not exposed by bad guys who break into the network.

4. Protection from malware

Firewalls can protect you from online threats, including malware and viruses. However, they should not be viewed as a replacement for antivirus software. There are differences in how firewalls and antivirus software work; when used together, they can complement each other and provide comprehensive security.

However, firewalls are still a good first line of defense against known malware and viruses. Blocking unauthorized traffic, including suspicious IP addresses that carry malicious packets and malware, can prevent bad traffic from reaching your device.

5. Reduce pop-ups

Pop-ups can be a nuisance to your browsing experience. But is it safe to allow pop-ups in your browser? While they are mostly harmless, bad guys can create malicious pop-ups that can install viruses and malware on your device if you accidentally click on them. The good news is that keeping your device free of spam pop-ups is easy with a firewall, which blocks unwanted traffic.

While firewalls can help maintain online security, remember that they cannot protect your device from every type of cyberattack. It is best to use a combination of methods that include installing the best antivirus software, performing regular system updates, and practicing safe browsing habits.