What is the primary role of a firewall in network security?

The primary role of a firewall in network security is to monitor and control network traffic based on security rules. Firewalls act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks, analyzing incoming and outgoing traffic to determine whether it should be allowed or blocked. By implementing policies and rules, firewalls can effectively manage which types of connections are permitted, helping to protect sensitive systems and data from unauthorized access or attacks.

This functionality is critical in maintaining the security posture of an organization, as it allows for the establishment of a controlled environment where only legitimate traffic can pass through while potentially harmful activities may be intercepted and prevented. By ensuring that the flow of traffic complies with predetermined security policies, firewalls help mitigate various types of threats and vulnerabilities likely to exploit network weaknesses.

The other options relate to different aspects of security but do not directly describe the fundamental purpose of a firewall. While encryption is vital for protecting data during transmission, it is not the primary function of a firewall. Antivirus protection focuses on detecting and removing malware, which is a separate layer of security. Authentication of users is crucial for verifying identities and controlling access, but it does not encompass the primary role of a firewall in traffic management and policy enforcement.