Firewall

A firewall is a security system designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a private internal network and the public Internet, protecting sensitive information and systems from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

Firewalls can be hardware-based or software-based, and they typically include features such as packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application-level proxy services.

Packet filtering: Inspects incoming and outgoing network packets and either allows or blocks them based on pre-configured rules.

Stateful inspection: Maintains information about the state of network connections, allowing the firewall to accurately identify and track valid connections and identify potential threats.

Application-level proxy: Acts as an intermediary between internal systems and the public Internet, intercepting and examining incoming traffic before forwarding it on to its intended destination.

Firewalls are critical components of any network security strategy, as they help to protect against a wide range of threats, including hacking attempts, malware, and phishing scams.