What Is a Firewall and How Does It Work?

A firewall is an IT security solution that controls data traffic between an internal network (e.g., a company’s network) and external networks (e.g., the internet). It acts as a protective filter, inspecting data packets and determining whether they should be allowed or blocked. Firewalls use predefined rules and policies to prevent unauthorized access and detect potentially malicious activities, ensuring a secure and controlled network environment.