What is the primary function of a firewall?

The primary function of a firewall is to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet. They enforce security policies by allowing or blocking data packets based on a set of predetermined rules. This is crucial for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of the data within the network while also preventing unauthorized access and potential attacks.

By controlling the flow of data packets, firewalls help prevent malicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts, data breaches, and other security threats. This function is essential in maintaining a secure network environment, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed while potentially harmful traffic is effectively managed.

Other choices do not align with the primary purpose of a firewall. Storing sensitive information relates more to data storage solutions than network security. Amplifying network traffic does not contribute to security and could even lead to increased vulnerabilities. Monitoring system performance is a separate function often associated with network management rather than specifically with the role of a firewall in security.