A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules). It is essentially a barrier that sits between a private internal network and the public Internet. Firewalls can be categorized as a network-based or a host-based system). Network-based firewalls are positioned between two or more networks, typically between the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN), and their basic function is to control the flow of data between connected networks). Firewalls can be physical hardware, digital software, software as a service (SaaS), or a virtual private cloud.
Firewalls have been a first line of defense in network security for over 25 years. They establish a barrier between secured and controlled internal networks that can be trusted and untrusted outside networks, such as the Internet. Firewalls can either be software or hardware, and it is best to have both. A software firewall is a program installed on each computer and regulates traffic through port numbers and applications, while a physical firewall is a piece of equipment installed between your network and gateway.
Firewalls are necessary components of any security architecture and take the guesswork out of host-level protections and entrust them to your network security device. They focus on blocking malware and application-layer attacks, along with an integrated intrusion prevention system (IPS) . Firewalls can act quickly and seamlessly to detect and combat attacks across the whole network. Firewalls are intended to secure the private networks and the endpoint devices within, known as network hosts. They play an important role in preventing cyber attacks, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining the privacy and security of computer systems and networks.
