The purpose of a firewall is to act as a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It serves as a barrier between a trusted internal network (such as a private network or intranet) and untrusted external networks (like the internet), preventing unauthorized access and protecting the network from cyber threats

. Key functions of a firewall include:

• Blocking unauthorized access attempts from external sources and potentially harmful traffic

• Filtering network traffic to allow only legitimate and safe data packets to pass through, thereby reducing the risk of cyberattacks such as hacking, malware infiltration, and denial-of-service attacks

• Protecting sensitive data and private systems from exposure or theft by unauthorized users, including hackers and insiders

• Managing and controlling network resources, including restricting access to specific websites or applications, which can be used for parental controls or workplace browsing policies

• Providing additional security features such as virtual private network (VPN) support, encrypted traffic inspection, and application-layer filtering to enhance protection against advanced threats

While firewalls are crucial as a first line of defense in network security, they do not fully protect against all types of threats, such as malware introduced through email attachments or insider threats that bypass the firewall. Therefore, they are often used in conjunction with other security measures like antivirus software and internal network segmentation

. In summary, the primary purpose of a firewall is to safeguard a network by preventing unauthorized access, blocking malicious traffic, and helping maintain the confidentiality and integrity of data within the network environment