What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's previously established security policies. At its most basic, a firewall is essentially the barrier that sits between a private internal network and the public Internet.
Types of Firewalls
- Packet Filters: These inspect packets and prevent them from moving on if they do not meet pre-established security rules.
- Stateful Inspection: These track the state of active connections and make decisions based on the context of the traffic, rather than just the individual packets.
- Proxy Servers: These act as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers.
Benefits of Using a Firewall
Using a firewall provides a range of benefits:
- 🛡️ Protects against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
- 📉 Reduces the risk of data breaches and leaks.
- 🎯 Customizable to meet the specific needs of your organization.