What is a firewall primarily used for?

A firewall is primarily used to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By filtering traffic, a firewall ensures that only authorized data packets are allowed through while blocking those that do not meet the specified criteria. This is essential for protecting network resources from potential threats and unauthorized access.

While firewalls can play a role in a broader security framework, they do not store user data securely, create virtual private networks, or automate software updates directly. Each of those functions is provided by other types of security tools or systems. For instance, virtual private networks are primarily designed to provide secure remote access and encrypt data in transit, and software update automation is generally handled by patch management systems or other dedicated software tools.