WBJECA 2025 — Computer PYQ
WBJECA | Computer | 2025what does a firewall primarily do?
Choose the correct answer:
- A.
Encrypts data
- B.
Filters network traffic
(Correct Answer) - C.
Detects viruses
- D.
Manages network routing
Filters network traffic
Explanation
A firewall is a critical network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network (like the Internet).
While other security tools handle encryption (like VPNs) or virus detection (like Antivirus software), the primary role of a firewall is inspection and filtering. We can represent the decision-making process of a firewall for a data packet (P) based on security rules (R) as follows:
Decision(P)={Allowed,Blocked,if P complies with Rif P violates R
In summary, a firewall uses these rules to maintain network integrity by ensuring that only authorized traffic is permitted to pass through:
TrafficOutput=TrafficInput×Filter(R)
This mechanism is fundamental to protecting computer systems from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication to proceed.
Explanation
A firewall is a critical network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network (like the Internet).
While other security tools handle encryption (like VPNs) or virus detection (like Antivirus software), the primary role of a firewall is inspection and filtering. We can represent the decision-making process of a firewall for a data packet (P) based on security rules (R) as follows:
Decision(P)={Allowed,Blocked,if P complies with Rif P violates R
In summary, a firewall uses these rules to maintain network integrity by ensuring that only authorized traffic is permitted to pass through:
TrafficOutput=TrafficInput×Filter(R)
This mechanism is fundamental to protecting computer systems from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication to proceed.

