What is the primary purpose of a firewall in network security?
The primary purpose of a firewall in network security is to create a protective barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on pre-established security rules, effectively preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. Firewalls can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both, providing essential security functions like packet filtering, proxy services, and network address translation (NAT). By filtering traffic, firewalls help maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information within a network.