How does a firewall enhance network security?

A firewall enhances network security primarily by monitoring and controlling network traffic. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. Firewalls enforce security policies by allowing or blocking traffic based on predefined rules, protecting the network from unauthorized access and various types of network-based attacks.

Through this process, firewalls can help ensure that only legitimate traffic is allowed to enter or exit the network, reducing the risk of data breaches, malware infiltration, and other malicious activities. They also provide logging and reporting capabilities, which can be crucial for identifying potential threats and understanding traffic patterns.

While some other options mention related concepts, they do not encompass the primary function of a firewall. Disabling all incoming traffic would make a network inaccessible, which is not a practical security measure. Scanning for viruses is typically a function of antivirus software rather than a firewall, and increasing data transmission rates is generally not within the scope of a firewall’s functionality. Thus, monitoring and controlling traffic is the key aspect that directly ties to the firewall’s role in network security.