What is the purpose of a firewall in computing?
a) To protect a computer network from unauthorized access
b) To speed up a computer’s processing power
c) To back up important data
d) To encrypt all stored files
Answer:
a) To protect a computer network from unauthorized access
Explanation:
A firewall is a security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. It acts as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks, such as a home or business network and the internet.
Firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network by blocking malicious traffic, such as hackers or viruses, while allowing legitimate communication to pass through. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both.
By filtering network traffic, firewalls provide a crucial layer of security for individuals and organizations, protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of systems and networks.