What is the primary function of a firewall in a computer system?

The primary function of a firewall in a computer system is to monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls act as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They analyze data packets based on predefined security rules and policies to decide whether to allow or block the traffic.

By monitoring this traffic, firewalls help protect systems from unauthorized access, cyber attacks, and various types of malicious activities. They can provide essential logging and reporting features that help administrators understand traffic patterns and potential security threats. Overall, the role of a firewall is critical in maintaining the overall security posture of a networked environment.

Other choices, such as enhancing software performance or providing data storage, do not accurately reflect the security-centric function of a firewall. Similarly, allowing all traffic access directly contradicts the protective purpose of a firewall, which is to restrict and manage network access.