What is one of the primary roles of a firewall in network security?

One of the primary roles of a firewall in network security is to block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They monitor incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. By evaluating the data packets trying to enter or exit the network, firewalls can selectively deny or allow traffic based on its source, destination, and content. This capability is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the overall integrity of the network, ensuring that only authorized users and systems can access specific resources while preventing malicious entities from infiltrating the network.

This role is specifically tailored to address security concerns and does not encompass other functions such as storing user credentials, automating software updates, or providing cloud storage, which fall outside the typical operational scope of a firewall.