What are the two main types of firewalls?

The correct answer highlights the division of firewalls primarily into hardware and software categories. Hardware firewalls are physical devices that serve as a barrier between a network and potential threats from the internet or other outside networks. They typically operate at the network layer and can filter traffic based on rules and policies, often protecting multiple devices on a network.

Software firewalls, on the other hand, are installed on individual devices and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic on a per-device basis. They are customizable and can protect specific applications or system processes from unauthorized access. This distinction is essential in computer security since different environments and requirements dictate which type of firewall may be most appropriate to deploy.

Understanding the different types of firewalls allows organizations to implement security measures that align with their specific operational infrastructure and threat landscape. This categorization is widely recognized and forms the foundation of many discussions related to network security.