Firewall

A firewall is a digital security barrier that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. It acts like a gatekeeper between your device and external networks — blocking malicious data, unauthorized access attempts, or suspicious connections while allowing safe communication. Firewalls can be software-based (running on your computer) or hardware-based (part of your router or network setup), and they’re essential for protecting your privacy and system integrity.