What is the primary function of a firewall?

The primary function of a firewall is to monitor and control network traffic. Firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They apply predetermined security rules to allow or block data traffic based on specified criteria, helping to prevent unauthorized access and potential attacks.

Firewalls accomplish this by inspecting packets of data as they enter or leave the network. They can filter traffic based on source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols. This ability to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of a network.

Other options, while related to cybersecurity, serve different primary functions. Encrypting data transmissions is vital for ensuring data privacy, scanning for malware is essential for identifying malicious software, and authenticating users ensures that only authorized individuals can access certain resources. However, these tasks do not encompass the primary role of a firewall, which is focused specifically on controlling and monitoring network traffic.