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Firewalls and VPNs offer basic protection but are no longer enough against modern cyber threats.
Misconfigurations and outdated systems make firewalls and VPNs vulnerable to exploitation.
Adopting Zero Trust models and AI-driven security ensures stronger, more adaptive protection.
Firewalls and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are tools used to protect digital systems from cyber threats. Firewalls block unwanted network traffic, while VPNs hide internet activity and encrypt data. Together, they have been the foundation of cybersecurity for many years.
However, new types of cyberattacks and changes in how businesses and individuals use technology have raised concerns about the safety of these tools. This article explains how VPNs and firewalls work, their weaknesses, and whether they can still be trusted in today’s digital world.
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts like a gatekeeper, deciding which traffic is safe and should be allowed and which traffic should be blocked.
Firewalls are often used by companies and individuals to protect private networks from unauthorized access. They can be software-based (installed on a computer) or hardware-based (a physical device connected to the network).
A VPN creates a secure connection between a device (like a computer or phone) and the internet. It hides the user’s real IP address and encrypts all internet traffic, making it unreadable to outsiders such as hackers or internet service providers.
They are commonly used to protect privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Companies also use them to allow remote employees to access internal systems safely.
Also Read: Best Free VPNs for Windows in 2025
Even though firewalls and VPNs are helpful, they are not perfect. Many recent cyberattacks have taken advantage of weaknesses in these systems.
Firewalls and VPNs often have public IP addresses, which means hackers can easily find them online. If these systems are not regularly updated, attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to networks.
For example:
In 2025, several companies using SonicWall VPN devices were hacked due to critical security flaws.
Ivanti’s Connect Secure VPN had a serious bug that allowed attackers to install malware and spy on companies.
Fortinet devices had a major data leak where thousands of passwords and settings were made public.
Sometimes, VPNs are not set up securely. If older encryption methods are used, or if configurations are weak, attackers can crack the encryption and read the data.
Even advanced protocols like WireGuard, IPsec, and OpenVPN can be tricked or overwhelmed by certain types of cyberattacks. In some cases, hackers can make VPNs crash or slow down just by sending too much fake traffic.
Modern internet tools like Google’s QUIC protocol can be exploited by hackers to send data out of a network without being noticed. These tools encrypt traffic in ways that traditional firewalls can’t inspect, making it easier to hide malicious activity.
In 2025, government cybersecurity agencies around the world reported an increase in attacks targeting VPNs and firewalls. These attacks were often linked to ransomware groups or state-sponsored hackers.
Hackers are now targeting security tools themselves, knowing that many companies do not update them regularly. Once they break into a VPN or firewall, they can move freely inside a company’s network.
A recent survey revealed that many software engineers and employees ignore VPNs or find ways around them because they are slow or inconvenient. This opens the door to even more security risks, as people may use unsafe connections just to complete their work more quickly.
VPNs promise to protect privacy, but not all of them are trustworthy.
Some Virtual private networks providers record logs of user activity, including websites visited and connection times. This information can be sold to advertisers or handed over to authorities.
Free VPNs, in particular, are more likely to collect and misuse personal data.
Even paid ones have made mistakes. In 2025, a popular service had a bug that exposed users’ IP addresses during remote desktop sessions. This flaw was quickly fixed, but it showed how software bugs can cause leaks even in trusted products.
Despite their issues, firewalls and VPNs still provide important protection when used properly.
A firewall can block harmful traffic and protect against specific attacks, especially when kept up to date.
A VPN can hide online activity and protect data from hackers on public networks, like in airports or cafes.
Together, they form a strong first layer of defense for businesses and individuals.
However, relying only on firewalls and VPNs is no longer enough to stay safe from modern threats.
Many experts now recommend a new approach called "zero trust." This means no user or device is trusted automatically, even if it is inside the company’s network. Every access request is checked and verified.
Zero-trust systems often use strong identity checks, device health checks, and detailed access controls to safeguard data. This model reduces the risk of hackers moving freely through a network, even if they get in.
New firewall technologies are being developed using AI (artificial intelligence). These systems can learn what normal network behavior looks like and quickly respond to anything unusual. This can help block new types of cyberattacks that older firewalls might miss.
After the UK introduced stricter internet rules in mid-2025, VPN usage in the country increased by over 1000%. This shows how people turn to VPNs to protect their privacy and access content.
Surveys show that while Virtual private networks are still widely used, many organizations are planning to switch to zero-trust models by 2026.
VPN providers that are transparent, undergo independent security audits, and limit data collection are now more in demand than ever.
Update VPN and firewall software regularly. Most attacks happen because systems are outdated.
Use strong, modern encryption protocols. Avoid older methods that can be cracked easily.
Pick VPN providers that don’t keep logs and are transparent about their security practices.
Use two-factor authentication for logging into networks and systems.
Limit access: Only give access to the people and systems that truly need it.
Watch out for new attack methods, especially those that bypass traditional firewalls.
Start planning a shift to zero trust, especially in business environments.
Also Read: Web Application Firewalls: Protecting Against Online Threats
Firewalls and VPNs still play an important role in cybersecurity. They are not enough on their own. Modern cyber threats are smarter and more aggressive than ever. Security tools must be updated often, configured correctly, and used as part of a larger strategy.
Relying only on firewalls and VPNs gives a false sense of safety. It is now necessary to look beyond these tools and move toward smarter, more adaptive systems like zero trust and AI-powered firewalls. In the fast-changing world of cybersecurity, staying updated and cautious is the key to real protection.
