What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a network security system designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its primary objective is to establish a barrier between your internal network (such as your computer or home network) and the outside world (the internet), ensuring that only safe and authorized data packets are allowed to pass through.

Types of Firewalls

There are several types of firewalls, including:

• Packet filtering firewalls: These inspect data packets as they travel between networks and determine whether to block or allow them based on predefined rules.
• Stateful inspection firewalls: These keep track of each connection made across the network and make decisions based on the context of the traffic.
• Proxy firewalls: These act as intermediaries between users and the internet, filtering all incoming web traffic.

Key Functions of a Firewall

Firewalls perform the following key functions:

• Packet filtering: Examining packets of data and determining whether to allow them to pass through.
• Access control: Regulating who can access your network and what resources they can access.
• Logging and monitoring: Keeping records of network traffic for analysis and troubleshooting.
• Intrusion detection: Alerting you to potential security breaches or attacks.

Overall, firewalls are essential for protecting your network from cyber threats and unauthorized access, making them a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy.