What is the main purpose of a firewall?

The main purpose of a firewall is to monitor and control network traffic. Firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They inspect data packets that enter or leave the network and enforce predetermined security rules.

By filtering traffic based on these rules, firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to the network, protecting sensitive data from potential cyber threats. This is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the protected network. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both, and they play a vital role in network security architecture.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a firewall. While it may influence network performance indirectly, it does not primarily serve to accelerate network speed. Firewalls do not store sensitive information; rather, they protect it. Additionally, enhancing data backup solutions is not a core function of firewalls. Their focus is specifically on traffic control and network security rather than data preservation or performance enhancement.