Endpoint security vs. firewall
What is a firewall?
A firewall is widely used for network security that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic. Data packets are allowed to enter the internal network if they match the security protocols established by the firewall. Otherwise, these data packets are denied entry into the network and blocked.
A firewall can be the following:
- Software: It is installed on your computer to monitor the traffic generated from port numbers and applications.
- Hardware: A piece of architecture that stands between the network and the gateway.
Note: To read more about firewall, click here.
What is endpoint security?
Endpoints are all the entry points used to connect the user-end devices, such as desktops, laptops, mobiles, smartwatches, printers, etc. It is essential to deploy an endpoint security system to ensure all the endpoints are secured and leave behind no vulnerability for a cyber attack.
Endpoints create various vulnerabilities in the system of an organization, mainly due to the increasing use of
These allow employees to connect to the corporate network using different networks that are available to them. Cybercriminals can exploit the gap if no endpoint security measures are implemented.
Difference between endpoint security and firewall
Using different procedures, endpoint security systems and firewalls protect the user against cyber crimes. Differences between the two have been highlighted in the table below:
Differences
Endpoint Security | Firewall |
Protects the network and connected endpoints from cyber attacks. | Secures the network by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. |
Machine learning component allows detection of novel viruses. | Uses a defined set of rules to compare and block suspicious traffic. |
Cloud computing architecture allows for automatic updates. | Firewall can be hosted on-premises or on a cloud platform. |
Data access control rejects unauthorized access to the data. | Firewall does not offer data access controls. |
Behavorial analysis marks suspicious activity by analyzing data. | Firewall does not include a behavioral analysis component. |
Data is encrypted while sending and downloading files to prevent data exfiltration. | Data encryption is not used in firewall because it makes examining data packets difficult. |
A full package that includes several security features, such as antivirus and email filtering. | It is a component of endpoint security system. |
Admins monitor, track, configure, and patch threats remotely for one or all endpoints at the same time. | Monitors traffic and only allows data packets that match the defined security protocols. |
The endpoint security solution is a complete package for organizations looking to secure their endpoints, while a firewall is a subset of this solution. Both of them are essential for cyber security.
