software firewalls
A software firewall is a program installed on a computer or network device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet. By filtering data packets, it helps protect the system from unauthorized access and potential threats.
Software firewalls can be configured to allow or block specific applications and services based on user-defined rules. They often provide alerts for suspicious activities and can log traffic for analysis. Common examples of software firewalls include those built into operating systems like Windows and macOS.