Firewall: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in a more general or non-technical context to refer to any kind of barrier designed to prevent the spread of something unwanted.

• The firewalls in the building prevented the fire from spreading.
• The company implemented personal firewalls to protect sensitive information.

This term is generally used to describe any kind of protective measure in the field of cybersecurity, physical security, or even metaphorically to describe obstacles or challenges to security.

• Installing a security barrier is essential to prevent unauthorized access.
• The security barrier ensured that no unauthorized personnel could enter the server room.

This term is used specifically in technical contexts, especially when discussing specific functions or rules applied to traffic within a network.

• The administrator configured a network filter to block suspicious IP addresses.
• Using a network filter can help improve the performance of your network.

This term is typically used in technical discussions to emphasize a more complex or comprehensive security solution involving multiple layers or components.

• Our IT department is setting up a new firewall system to enhance security.
• A robust firewall system is critical for protecting corporate networks.