During a security audit, you are asked to verify that every company laptop has the operating system's built-in host firewall enabled and properly configured. According to endpoint-hardening best practices, what is the primary security function that this host-based firewall provides on each machine?
To conduct vulnerability scanning on the network to discover potential security weaknesses.
To control network traffic to and from the computer based on a set of defined security rules.
To coordinate security policies across multiple devices within the network.
To serve as the sole antivirus solution by detecting and eradicating all forms of malware.
A host-based firewall lives on the endpoint itself and applies a rule set that examines each inbound and outbound packet, allowing or blocking traffic based on defined policies. This limits unauthorized network access and helps contain attacks that might bypass or originate inside the perimeter. Antivirus products, vulnerability scanners, and centralized policy tools serve different security purposes, so those functions are not the firewall's main role.
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What is the difference between a host-based firewall and a network firewall?
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Can a host-based firewall replace the need for other security controls like antivirus software?