Palo Alto Networks (PANW) System Engineer (PSE) Practice Exam

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

1. Encrypt data

2. Block unauthorized access

3. Monitor bandwidth

4. Backup data

The correct answer is: Block unauthorized access

The primary function of a firewall in network security is to block unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls are critical components that help protect internal networks by establishing a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They analyze incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules, allowing or denying data packets based on whether they meet those criteria. Firewalls can be configured to permit or block traffic based on various attributes, including IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols. This function is essential for preventing unauthorized access attempts by malicious actors and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. In contrast, functions such as encrypting data, monitoring bandwidth, or backing up data are outside the primary function of firewalls. Encryption is more focused on protecting data in transit or at rest, monitoring bandwidth involves observing network performance and usage, while backing up data is a part of data protection strategies, not directly related to controlling network traffic.