What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?

What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?

• A. To enhance network speed
• B. To restrict unauthorized access to the intranet
• C. To facilitate data sharing among users
• D. To provide backup for data recovery

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of a firewall in a network is to restrict unauthorized access to the intranet. Firewalls are essential security devices or software applications designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network (the intranet) and untrusted external networks (such as the internet), thereby protecting sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access and potential threats, such as malware, hackers, and other forms of cyber attacks. By establishing a controlled environment where only authorized users and data packets are permitted, firewalls help to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the network, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed. This is paramount for protecting both individual users and the organization as a whole from security breaches that could lead to data theft, financial loss, or system damage. In contrast, enhancing network speed, facilitating data sharing among users, and providing backup for data recovery are tasks that do not directly relate to the core function of a firewall. While they may be important aspects of network management, they do not align with the primary role of firewalls in safeguarding the network.

The primary purpose of a firewall in a network is to restrict unauthorized access to the intranet. Firewalls are essential security devices or software applications designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network (the intranet) and untrusted external networks (such as the internet), thereby protecting sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access and potential threats, such as malware, hackers, and other forms of cyber attacks.

By establishing a controlled environment where only authorized users and data packets are permitted, firewalls help to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the network, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed. This is paramount for protecting both individual users and the organization as a whole from security breaches that could lead to data theft, financial loss, or system damage.

In contrast, enhancing network speed, facilitating data sharing among users, and providing backup for data recovery are tasks that do not directly relate to the core function of a firewall. While they may be important aspects of network management, they do not align with the primary role of firewalls in safeguarding the network.