Firewall

Description

A firewall is a security device — computer hardware or software — that can help protect your network by filtering traffic and blocking outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to the private data on your computer.

Not only does a firewall block unwanted traffic, it can also help block malicious software from infecting your computer.
Firewalls can provide different levels of protection. The key is determining how much protection you need.

What does a firewall do?
A firewall acts as a gatekeeper. It monitors attempts to gain access to your operating system and blocks unwanted traffic or unrecognized sources.

A firewall acts as a barrier or filter between your computer and another network such as the internet. You could think of a firewall as a traffic controller.
It helps to protect your network and information by managing your network traffic. This includes blocking unsolicited incoming network traffic and validating access by assessing network traffic for anything malicious like hackers and malware.