What is the main function of a firewall in network security?

The primary function of a firewall in network security is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. This is accomplished by establishing predefined security rules, which determine what traffic should be allowed or blocked based on IP addresses, protocols, ports, and application-level data. Firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, preventing unauthorized access and potential security threats. By filtering traffic, they help in protecting devices and data from malicious attacks, ensuring a safer network environment for communication and resource sharing.

While data backup, user access logging, and virus scanning are important functions in overall cybersecurity, they are not the primary roles of a firewall. Backups are typically managed by dedicated backup systems, access logs are often tracked by authentication systems, and virus scanning is handled by antivirus software. Thus, the specialized focus of a firewall on traffic regulation underscores its critical role in network security.