What is the primary purpose of a firewall?

• A. To prevent unauthorized internet users from accessing private computers or networks.
• B. To monitor employee productivity.
• C. To increase download speeds.
• D. To decorate the network with color.

Answer: (A)

Firewalls focus on controlling access to protect resources. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and the untrusted outside world, applying rules to decide which traffic is allowed and which is blocked. The primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized users from accessing private computers or networks while still permitting legitimate communications, helping to shield systems from intrusions and malicious activity. Other options don’t describe what a firewall does: monitoring productivity, increasing download speeds, or decorative purposes aren’t about safeguarding network access.