What is a firewall and what is its purpose?

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What is a firewall and what is its purpose?

A firewall is a network security device that acts as a barrier between an internal network and external networks, such as the internet. Its purpose is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network, while allowing legitimate communication to pass through. They serve as a first line of defense against potential threats, such as hackers, malware, and unauthorized access attempts. Firewalls can also be used to enforce network policies, filter content, and provide network address translation (NAT) to hide internal IP addresses. Overall, the main purpose of a firewall is to enhance network security by controlling and protecting network traffic.