A firewall is a security device and is used to protect computers and IT hardware from unauthorized access from outside, e.g. unauthorized access to sensitive data, the introduction of viruses into the company network or the loss of data.
The firewall monitors the ongoing data traffic and decides whether to block or forward the communication data based on predefined rules. Unauthorized network access is thus prevented. Firewalls can be purchased in various forms, e.g. as a software solution, hardware solution or a combination of both.
The use of firewalls is particularly important to protect the company's own hardware from insecure networks (Internet, etc.) or to structure its own networks. They are therefore an important component for the security of companies.