What is the primary function of a firewall in cloud security?

The primary function of a firewall in cloud security is to prevent unauthorized access. Firewalls serve as a protective barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. By inspecting packets and filtering traffic, a firewall can block malicious attempts to enter the network, preventing unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data and services.

While managing user authentication, encrypting data in transit, and monitoring system performance are important aspects of cloud security, they are not the core functionalities of a firewall. Firewalls focus on controlling access and establishing security perimeters, making them integral to protecting cloud environments from external threats. This function is vital in maintaining the overall security posture of cloud-based systems.