What is the role of a firewall in network security?

The role of a firewall in network security primarily involves monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They enforce a set of security rules, allowing or denying traffic based on predefined policies. This capability helps protect the network from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and data breaches by filtering traffic and managing connections in a way that enhances overall security.

Firewalls can be configured in various ways, such as packet filtering, stateful inspection, or proxy service, depending on the level of security needed and the specific requirements of the network. By effectively controlling traffic, a firewall plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data within a network.