Network Firewall
A network firewall is a security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, to prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or cloud-based, and they use techniques like packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application-level filtering to enforce security policies.
Developers should learn about network firewalls to secure applications and infrastructure by implementing access controls, protecting against attacks like DDoS or malware, and ensuring compliance with security standards. This is crucial in scenarios such as deploying web servers, managing cloud environments, or building systems that handle sensitive data, as firewalls help mitigate risks and maintain network integrity.