What is the primary purpose of a firewall?

The primary purpose of a firewall is to block unauthorized access to or from a network. Firewalls act as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. They monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By filtering this traffic, firewalls can prevent unauthorized users or malicious content from entering the network, thus protecting sensitive data and resources from potential threats.

Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software form and are an essential component of network security strategies. They help safeguard networks from attacks, data breaches, and other security incidents by allowing only legitimate traffic to pass through while blocking harmful connections. In addition to blocking unauthorized access, firewalls can also log traffic patterns and provide alerts for suspicious activities, enhancing network security further.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary function of a firewall. Speeding up internet connections and managing user permissions are not the focus of firewalls, nor is the detection of malware, which is typically handled by dedicated antivirus and anti-malware solutions.