Firewall Basics Your First Line of Defense in Cybersecurity What Is a Firewall? Think of a firewall like a security guard for your computer or network. Its job is to watch over incoming and outgoing traffic, things like emails, files, or website visits, and decide what gets in and what stays out. It’s like a bouncer at a club, checking IDs and making sure only the right people come in. Why Do You Need One? Without a firewall, your computer or network is pretty much open to the wild west of the internet. Hackers, viruses, and malware can sneak in if you're not careful. A firewall acts as a barrier, blocking suspicious or harmful stuff before it can cause trouble. How Does It Work? Firewalls use a set of rules, like a guest list, to decide what traffic is safe and what isn’t. For example, it might block certain websites or prevent unrecognized devices from connecting to your Wi-Fi. These rules can be simple or complex, depending on how secure you want to be. Types of Firewalls...