GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

The role of a firewall in network security is primarily to act as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. This function is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of a network. Firewalls filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules, allowing or blocking data packets based on factors such as IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers. By creating this barrier, firewalls help prevent unauthorized access and potential threats from untrusted sources, thus protecting the internal network from external attacks.

In this context, while blocking all incoming and outgoing traffic may seem like a protective measure, it is not a balanced or functional approach to network security. Firewalls are designed to manage traffic, not to block it entirely. Additionally, firewalls do not solely focus on virus protection, as their primary role is much broader, encompassing various types of cyber threats. Lastly, firewalls do not automatically update operating systems; this task is typically handled by dedicated software or operating system features.

Overall, a firewall's primary function is to define and enforce security boundaries, crucial for any organization's cybersecurity strategy.