When it comes to security, you often come across two terms namely – Firewall and Antivirus. And, you have both things in your system. But, how is one different from the other? In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between antivirus and firewall and even read why each of them is so important. At the outset, we’d like to mention that both are important at their places.
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Consider This |
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| A firewall analyzes the traffic in your network and thereby tracks and removes any malicious threat from passing through your network. In that way, it thwarts any malicious threat from entering your computer. But, what about the virus that can reach your computer via downloads, spam links in emails/ social media invites, or from a flash drive? That’s where your second line of defense Antivirus comes into play. |
Differences Between Antivirus and Firewall At A Glance:
| Firewall | Antivirus | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Defends from external threats | Defends from both external and internal threats |
| 2. | Can be software, hardware, or both software and hardware | An antivirus is a software |
| 3. | It checks incoming data packets for threats | Antivirus detects and removes threats from software |
| 4. | Deals with external threats | Deals with both internal as well as external threats |
| 5. | A Firewall may not be able to block internal attacks that bypass the network | Antivirus can deal with internal attacks too |
| 6. | Mainly works by monitoring and filtering | Antivirus works by detecting malicious threats in infected files and deleting them |
Antivirus
An Antivirus is a software utility that, as the name suggests, detects and removes viruses from your computer (and even smartphones, if you have an antivirus app). Since malicious threats are diversifying in types and the ways they attack, a modern Antivirus is, in fact, capable of removing various kinds of malware from your device, including viruses. The threats include trojans, adware, spyware, ransomware, zero-day threats, PUPs, just to name a few. It is also able to patch any ongoing security vulnerabilities that can otherwise lead to the entry of viruses and other malicious threats into your device.
Functions In A Nutshell
Here are some of the most important functions of an Antivirus –
- Identification and Analysis:
The first and the foremost function of an Antivirus is to detect a malicious threat and identify it. A powerful antivirus these days comes packed with a database of malicious threats. The database is regularly updated so that even the newest viruses, malware, or other malicious threats are quickly identified and action is taken upon them.
- Quarantine Files:
Once the antivirus identifies and detects the threat, it has to quarantine or isolate the infected files from others so that the infection does not spread to other programs and files.
- Threat Removal:
After a threat is identified and analyzed (mostly in real-time), the Antivirus takes prompt action and removes it completely from your computer. Sometimes an Antivirus may delete a file that is altered by a virus. In that case, if you can use data recovery software and recover the lost file.
Popular Antivirus
Here are some of the best Antivirus for various popular operating systems- Windows, Android, and macOS. Systweak Antivirus, for instance, is one of the best Antivirus for Windows 10. It comprehensively protects your computer and the data that resides inside using advanced algorithms.
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Systweak Antivirus – Features |
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Install Systweak Antivirus Price: Starts at US$ 39.95 for 1 Device for 1 Year Do check out the inside-out review of Systweak Antivirus How To Use Systweak Antivirus? 1. Download, install and run Systweak Antivirus 2. Click on the magnifying glass that you can see on the left-hand side of the interface 3. Choose the mode of scan – Quick, Deep, or Custom 4. After the scan mode is selected, Systweak Antivirus will scan your computer for malicious threats and remove them
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Firewall
A firewall is a security device that protects your computer hardware and software from any external threats. It does this by filtering out any data packets or IP packets that come by the way of your computer. It protects both local area networks as well as wide area networks.
With a Firewall in place, only authorized traffic is permitted as described by the security policy.
Also Read: What if Firewall is Blocking Websites?
Functions In A Nutshell
- Prevent crucial information from getting leaked
- Examine and filter data packets over the network
- Record log files (user activity)
- Hide IP address
Common Types
Application Gateway or Proxy Firewalls:
Also known as Proxy server firewalls. These protect your network security by the way of message filtering at the application layer. These can be used to hide user information or to connect to those services that might be blocked. The proxy firewall inspects all of your network traffic to identify and protect against any impending potential threats.
Packet Filtering Firewalls :
These are also known as screening filters or screening routers. These pass data packets after applying a certain set of rules based on the outcome. The security can be countered or breached by IP spoofing, tiny fragment attacks, or source routing. Furthermore, there are also advanced types of packet filters namely stateful packet filters and dynamic packet filters.
NAT (Network Address Translation) Firewalls:
These firewalls work by assigning a group of devices a public address in a private network. Here the individual IP address of devices is hidden. Attackers can, therefore, not scan specific details when hounding for IP addresses.
Popular Firewalls
Some of the popular firewalls suppliers include CISCO, Fortinet, Checkpoint, Watchguard, Sophos, Forcepoint, etc
Wrapping Up
You now know the difference between Antivirus and Firewall and what is the importance of both lines of defense. If you liked the information, don’t keep the goodness with you, share it with your friends and family. For more such content keep reading Tweak Library.