What is the primary function of software firewalls?

The primary function of software firewalls is to protect a single computer from unwanted internet traffic. Software firewalls act as a barrier between a device and the network, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They help to prevent unauthorized access to the computer, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is allowed through, thereby safeguarding the system from potential threats such as hackers or malicious software.

While encrypting data at rest is a critical security measure, it falls under the scope of data protection rather than the primary function of a firewall. Similarly, the removal of malware is a task typically handled by antivirus or anti-malware programs, not firewalls. Lastly, while a firewall can block outgoing connections based on specified rules, its function is not to block all outgoing connections indiscriminately. Instead, it selectively allows or denies traffic based on established criteria, focusing on protecting the computer from unwanted or harmful traffic rather than disrupting all outgoing communications.