Firewall
/ˈfaɪərwɔːl/
Definitions
A part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications.
/ˈfaɪərwɔːl/
A security system
The company's firewall prevented the hackers from accessing sensitive customer data.
💡 Simply: Imagine a security guard for your computer or network. This guard is called a firewall, and it checks everything that tries to get in or out. If something looks suspicious, the firewall blocks it, like keeping bad guys away from your stuff.
👶 For kids: A firewall is like a door that keeps bad things (like viruses) from getting into your computer or the internet.
More Examples
A strong firewall is essential for securing online transactions.
The IT department updated the firewall software to address the latest security threats.
How It's Used
"The company installed a robust firewall to protect its network from cyberattacks."
"Configure your firewall to block unwanted connections."
The term "firewall" comes from the physical barrier used to contain fires in buildings. In computing, it was adopted to describe a barrier that protects a computer or network from unauthorized access.
The term was first used in the early days of networking, as companies sought to secure their internal systems from external threats.
Memory tip
Think of a physical firewall in a building – it prevents the spread of fire; a computer firewall prevents the spread of unwanted data.