SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 144

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. A security mechanism that filters and controls network traffic.

In network security, a firewall is a protective tool that regulates and manages network traffic according to set rules. It serves as a defense between a secure internal network and potentially risky external networks like the internet. By examining the data packets that enter or leave the network, a firewall can permit or deny traffic based on factors such as IP addresses, ports, and protocols. This system helps safeguard against unauthorized access and cyber threats, allowing only safe traffic while blocking potentially harmful data.