What type of software is used to prevent unauthorized access to a network?

The correct choice highlights the role of security software or firewalls in safeguarding networks. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By doing so, they effectively block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.

In addition to actively filtering data packets, firewalls can provide features such as logging and alerting, which help administrators monitor suspicious activity. Overall, firewalls play a critical role in network security by ensuring that sensitive data remains protected from potential cyber threats.

Antivirus software focuses on detecting and removing malware from individual devices rather than securing an entire network. Utility software is designed to help maintain or improve the performance of a computer, while application software refers to programs that perform specific tasks for users, neither of which directly addresses network security.