Firewalls

Definition

Firewalls are security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, protecting against unauthorized access and potential threats.

Related terms

Intrusion Detection System (IDS): A system that monitors network traffic for suspicious activities or patterns, alerting administrators about potential security breaches.

Network Address Translation (NAT): A technique used by firewalls to translate private IP addresses into public IP addresses, allowing multiple devices within a local network to share a single public IP address.

Packet Filtering: A firewall technique that examines individual packets of data based on predefined rules, deciding whether to allow or block them from passing through the network.