Software or hardware firewall - differences and areas of application
Both options offer protection for your own PC and the network connected to it. In practice, both options are normally used in addition to each other, even in private applications. Both solutions always have a sealing effect, both via hardware and via the software to be installed. Connections should therefore be controlled and, if necessary, blocked in order to prevent unauthorized intrusion into the network.
What exactly is a Firewall?
The firewall is an additional security system, but this should not be confused with anti-virus software on the PC. While it is designed to identify and isolate malicious programs, the firewall monitors connections, outgoing and incoming Data within the network. It is integrated as an additional system, so to speak, between the PC and the Internet/network. Among other things, a firewall can prevent unauthorized persons from entering the network and thus gaining access to the PC and its data.
Furthermore, the transmission of unauthorized data packets, for example harmful "worms", is also prevented. Even with regard to outgoing data, a firewall shows its benefits in practice. For example, it prevents a PC identified with malware from sending data to other computers in the network. This is usually done without the user's direct knowledge, as the malware independently initiates these data transmissions. A firewall can therefore be used to prevent the spread of worms and the like.
Differences between a software firewall and hardware firewall
In order to shed more light on the differences, the differences between the terms "software" and "hardware" must first be worked out. Hardware is defined as electronic and/or mechanical products and components that are used in conjunction with other technology in order to ensure its functionality. Hardware therefore exists "actually", in the sense that it can be touched, unscrewed and examined. Software, on the other hand, are programs that are installed on the PC and thus consist of data and countless lines of code. They cannot be touched, but they activate functions on the PC that are based on the hardware. A hardware-based firewall is therefore a mechanical or electronic device, whereas a firewall is installed as software on the PC. In practice, both variants are possible in combination.
What does the software and hardware firewall do?
The software firewall controls data traffic between the network and the computer. It can also be used to set various exceptions for programs, release ports or conveniently monitor data in real time on the PC. In a sense, a software firewall monitors a network, i.e. what the PC uses to access the network. Internet to be able to connect. The hardware firewall, on the other hand, is installed on an external device/system and in practice monitors two networks simultaneously, so to speak. It therefore monitors the data traffic between the private network and the firewall and at the same time the traffic between the firewall and the superordinate network. A closer look at the term reveals that a hardware firewall is more of a software program that is installed on an external device rather than on the PC itself.
In practice, the simplified hardware firewall in the private user area is usually found in the classic router. Modern routers have a functional firewall, which works according to the above mentioned practice. At the same time, a software firewall should be installed on the PC itself. Older models of DSL modems still had to do without this integrated hardware firewall. Industrial and commercial customers, who host particularly sensitive data in their networks, sometimes decide to install an additional solution in hardware form or further server protection. The combination of an integrated firewall in the router and additionally installed software on the PC, however, is completely sufficient for private users. Company networks should possibly ask for further protection and a hardware firewall that is tailored to their requirements and be advised by experts.
