What is the purpose of a firewall in a computer network?

The purpose of a firewall in a computer network is to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls act as a barrier or filter between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet. They monitor incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. By doing so, a firewall helps protect sensitive data and critical systems from potential threats, including hackers and malicious software.

This function is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of a network, as it helps to ensure that only approved users and devices can communicate with the network while blocking or permitting traffic according to set rules. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both, and they play a critical role in safeguarding an organization's information assets.