What is a primary purpose of a firewall in a network security architecture?

The primary purpose of a firewall in a network security architecture is to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By implementing a set of rules, they help decide whether to allow or block specific traffic based on security policies. This traffic control is essential for protecting the network from unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches.

Firewalls inspect data packets, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is permitted while potentially malicious traffic is denied access to the network. This capability not only helps secure sensitive information but also mitigates the risk of various cyber threats, such as malware, intrusion attempts, and denial-of-service attacks. By effectively managing traffic flow, firewalls play a crucial role in establishing a secure network environment.