Glossary What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a network security tool that monitors and regulates network traffic by implementing pre-established security policies set by the user. Integrating a firewall offers numerous benefits, including monitoring network traffic, preventing virus attacks and hacking attempts, blocking spyware, and enhancing privacy.

Multiple types of firewalls exist, providing varying levels of protection and delivery methods, such as hardware-based firewalls, software-based firewalls, and cloud/hosted firewalls. The need for multiple types of firewalls arises as different organizations possess unique and sensitive data that must meet regulatory or industry-defined security requirements. However, zero trust strategies have allowed organizations to streamline their firewall usage.

A firewall is just one component of an overall cybersecurity strategy. Businesses will want to employ various tools in addition to a firewall — including a security information and event manager, virtual private network and backup and disaster recovery tool.

Learn more about security strategies