What Are Firewalls and What Do They Do

Firewalls are essential cybersecurity tools designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Acting as a protective barrier between internal networks and external threats, firewalls help prevent unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and data breaches. They can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both, depending on the level of protection required. Firewalls are widely used in homes, businesses, and data centers to ensure network integrity. By filtering traffic and blocking malicious activity, firewalls play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data. Understanding firewalls is fundamental for anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity.