Host-Based Firewall vs Network-Based Firewall: Best Fit for Your Business

Host-Based Firewalls: The First Layer of Protection

A host-based firewall is a firewall solution installed directly on individual computers and endpoints like laptops, mobile devices, or servers. Think of it as a personal guard for the device.

• Granular control: They filter data packets at the operating system level, allowing or blocking applications and ports (like TCP or UDP).
• Device-level security: They protect the host even if the broader internal network is compromised.
• Flexible policies: Examples include Windows Firewall or Linux-based tools that allow admins to configure firewall rules based on IP addresses, VPN connections, or app-specific behavior.

Cons: Host-based solutions can be resource-intensive, may slow down devices under heavy rules-based filtering, and create management complexity across many individual hosts.

Network-Based Firewalls: Protecting the Entire Network

Network-based firewalls sit at critical network perimeter points to monitor and filter traffic between the internal network and external connections. They are the gatekeepers for network traffic and can be deployed as hardware appliances, routers, or cloud firewalls.

• Centralized visibility: A single network firewall protects the entire network and applies consistent security policies.
• Scalability: Enterprise-grade next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) handle massive volumes of traffic for enterprise networks.
• Advanced functionality: Features like application control, web application firewalls, and malware filtering improve security posture.

Cons: If overloaded, they can cause bottlenecks in outgoing traffic, impact network performance, and may be less effective at stopping threats already inside the network architecture.

Leading vendors such as Cisco, Palo Alto, and Microsoft provide widely used network firewall solutions that integrate with cloud environments and VPN tunnels for secure connectivity.

Why Use Both? Layered Security Matters

Relying on only one type of firewall can leave gaps in your layer of security. Combining host-based firewalls and network-based firewalls creates layered security that:

• Stops malicious traffic at the edge with network firewalls.
• Prevents hackers or malware that bypass the perimeter from spreading laterally to individual devices.
• Enforces access control rules both across the subnetworks and on individual hosts.
• Reduces vulnerabilities by addressing risks at both the device level and the network infrastructure.

This hybrid approach strengthens your cybersecurity defenses, ensuring both enterprise networks and individual devices are safeguarded against evolving cyber threats.

FAQs on Host-Based vs Network-Based Firewalls

What is the difference between host-based and network-based firewalls?

A host-based firewall runs on a single operating system, regulating incoming traffic and outgoing traffic for that device. In contrast, a network-based firewall is deployed at the network perimeter to filter traffic across the entire network, based on security rules like destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols.

Explore our insights on firewall change management best practices for a deeper understanding of these firewalls’ roles in cybersecurity.

How do host-based firewalls work?

Host-based firewalls work by inspecting data packets destined for individual devices. They enforce permissions and security policies on specific apps, functions, or connections (like SSH, DNS, or VPN traffic). This ensures device-level protection even if network firewalls fail.

Learn how to craft a manageable firewall policy for large companies.

What are the benefits of using both host-based and network-based firewalls?

Using both provides a layer of protection:

• Network firewalls block unauthorized access and malicious traffic at the network perimeter.
• Host-based firewalls stop localized attacks, protect individual hosts, and help enforce granular security controls on endpoint devices.Together, they protect against cyberattacks, minimize vulnerabilities, and improve your overall security posture.

Together, they protect against cyberattacks, minimize vulnerabilities, and improve your overall security posture. For more insights into fortifying your cybersecurity posture with effective firewall strategies, delve into our perspectives on firewall change management best practices.

Do firewalls impact network performance?

Yes. Network firewalls processing heavy traffic flows can cause network congestion if not properly tuned. Similarly, host-based firewalls can slow laptops or mobile devices under complex rule configurations. Best practices include firewall optimization, monitoring metrics in real-time, and leveraging automation for rule management.

What’s an example of a next-generation firewall feature?

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) combine traditional packet filtering with advanced features like IDS/IPS, application control, and integration with SIEM tools. These features enhance detection of cyber threats and improve visibility into network traffic across enterprise networks.

Wrapping Up

The choice between a host-based firewall and a network-based firewall isn’t either-or. Instead, the strongest security strategy leverages both, combining endpoint security with centralized network firewall enforcement.

For businesses seeking scalable firewall management, automation, and policy configuration across complex network architectures, the Tufin Orchestration Suite provides unified visibility, streamlined firewall rule optimization, and comprehensive compliance enforcement.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity defenses? Request a Demo to see how Tufin strengthens both host-based firewalls and network firewalls across hybrid environments.