What is the purpose of a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in network security?

The purpose of a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in network security is primarily to provide an area for servers that need to be accessible from the internet, such as web servers, mail servers, or DNS servers. This setup enhances security by creating a buffer zone; the DMZ sits between the untrusted external network and the trusted internal network. By placing these public-facing servers in a DMZ, organizations can allow access to services without exposing the entire internal network to potential threats.

Servers in the DMZ can be directly accessible to external users, while the internal network remains protected from direct access, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or attacks on sensitive internal systems. Firewalls and other security measures can control and monitor traffic going in and out of the DMZ, further enhancing security.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a DMZ. Concealing internal network addresses from external users generally involves techniques like Network Address Translation (NAT), while isolating traffic on the same subnet does not pertain to a DMZ’s main role, which is more about isolating public-facing services. Providing VPN access for remote workers falls under a different category of network security requirements and is not a function of a DMZ.