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

The primary purpose of a firewall in a network is to prevent unauthorized access. Firewalls serve as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, a firewall helps to block malicious traffic and attacks from unauthorized users, ensuring that only legitimate and safe connections are established. This functionality is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the overall integrity of the network.

While firewalls may influence network performance to an extent and can be used to manage certain aspects of network traffic, their foremost role centers on providing security against unauthorized access. Storing data securely is not a function of a firewall; rather, data security is typically handled by different security measures and tools designed specifically for data protection.