How does a firewall protect a network?

A firewall protects a network primarily by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. It acts as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By analyzing data packets and applying predefined security rules, a firewall can permit or block traffic based on security policies. For instance, it can block malicious traffic or unauthorized access attempts, helping to prevent potential attacks or breaches.

The effectiveness of a firewall comes from its ability to enforce access control measures, ensuring that only legitimate traffic flows in and out of the network. This traffic control is fundamental in maintaining the security and integrity of network resources.

While other aspects like data storage, website access monitoring, and data encryption are important elements of a comprehensive security strategy, they do not specifically define how a firewall functions in protecting a network.