A firewall is a type of cybersecurity tool that helps protect a computer or network from unauthorized access or malicious activity from the internet.
Think of a firewall as a security guard that stands at the entrance to your network, examining all incoming and outgoing traffic. It examines each packet of data to see if it meets certain criteria, such as the source and destination of the data, and the type of data being transmitted. If the packet meets the criteria, it's allowed to pass through the firewall and reach its destination. If it doesn't meet the criteria, the firewall blocks the packet, preventing it from entering your network.
A firewall can help prevent attacks like hacking, malware infections, and other cyber threats that could compromise your data or network. Firewalls can also be configured to filter out certain types of traffic or limit access to certain resources, providing an additional layer of protection for your network.
In summary, a firewall is a vital cybersecurity tool that acts as a barrier between your network and the internet, helping to keep your data and devices safe from cyber threats.