What type of network protection does a firewall provide?

A firewall primarily serves the purpose of monitoring both external and internal traffic to identify and mitigate various security threats. This includes analyzing incoming and outgoing data packets and making real-time decisions on whether to allow or block that traffic based on predefined security rules. By inspecting the data, firewalls can prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive information, and fend off cyber attacks such as intrusions and malware.

The focus on monitoring traffic emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secure network perimeter, which is a critical aspect of comprehensive IT security strategies. Firewalls operate as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, helping to ensure that any traffic crossing that boundary is scrutinized for any potential risks.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a firewall. Natural disasters are not mitigated by firewalls, as they typically pertain to physical security measures rather than network security. While limiting employee access based on job titles is a component of access control policies, it is not directly a function of a firewall. Additionally, while firewalls can help control what employees can access on the internet, their primary role is not about ensuring unrestricted internet access but rather about enforcing security controls.