What is a firewall and how does it protect against hacking?

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What is a firewall and how does it protect against hacking?

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet.

Firewalls protect against hacking by analyzing network traffic and blocking unauthorized access attempts. They examine the source and destination addresses, ports, and protocols of network packets to determine if they should be allowed or denied. Firewalls can also enforce security policies, such as blocking specific websites or applications, and can detect and prevent certain types of attacks, such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks or intrusion attempts.

By implementing a firewall, organizations can establish a secure perimeter around their network, preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of hacking incidents. Firewalls are an essential component of network security and play a crucial role in protecting against hacking attempts.