A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules). It is a computer network security system that restricts internet traffic in to, out of, or within a private network. Firewalls can be hardware, software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), public cloud, or private cloud (virtual) . They establish a barrier between secured and controlled internal networks that can be trusted and untrusted outside networks, such as the Internet.
Firewalls have been a first line of defense in network security for over 25 years. They filter all incoming and outgoing traffic across the network and protect the internal network by filtering the traffic using rules defined on the firewall. Firewalls can be set up to restrict incoming traffic from particular IP addresses or networks, preventing hackers or other malicious actors from easily accessing a network or system. They also prevent malware and other threats from entering the network.
Overall, firewalls play an important role in preventing cyber attacks, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining the privacy and security of networks. They are widely considered an essential component of network security.
