What are firewalls primarily used for?

Firewalls are primarily used to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. This function is crucial for protecting networks from unauthorized access and potential threats. By analyzing packets of data as they traverse the network, firewalls can block or allow traffic based on predefined security policies. This helps to defend against intrusions, malware, and various cyber threats by establishing a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.

The main role of firewalls is to monitor and control network traffic, which serves as a first line of defense in cybersecurity. They can be configured to permit or deny traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, ports, and even the content of the packets themselves. This makes them an essential component in maintaining the security and integrity of network communications.