What does a firewall primarily protect against?

A firewall primarily protects a network by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its main function is to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. This includes blocking malicious traffic, denying access to users who don’t meet specific security criteria, and ensuring that external entities cannot exploit vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure.

For instance, a firewall can be configured to block certain types of traffic or access requests, such as those from untrusted sources or those attempting to breach security protocols. By acting as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, firewalls play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of information.

While data recovery from physical damages, loss of data due to power failure, and network performance issues are important aspects of overall network management, they are not the primary functions of firewalls. These functions are typically managed through other systems and strategies, such as backup solutions and power management protocols.