home/glossary/firewall

firewall

nounverified·updated May 9, 2026

A hardware/software capability that limits access between networks and/or systems in accordance with a specific security policy.

polysemousNISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2

Senses

SANS Glossary of Security Terms

A logical or physical discontinuity in a network to prevent unauthorized access to data or resources.

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Cybersecurity Lexiconextended definition available

A capability to limit network traffic between networks and/or information systems.

ISACA Cybersecurity Glossary

A system or combination of systems that enforces a boundary between two or more networks, typically forming a barrier between a secure and an open environment such as the Internet

FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, Baseline, May 2017

Hardware and/or software gateway technology that protects network resources from unauthorized access. A firewall permits or denies computer traffic between networks with different security levels based upon a set of rules and other criteria.

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) IT Examination Handbook Infobase, Glossary

A hardware or software link in a network that relays only data packets clearly intended and authorized to reach the other side.

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2

A gateway that limits access between networks in accordance with local security policy.

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 2sense 3 pending review

A device or program that controls the flow of network traffic between networks or hosts that employ differing security postures.

Wordset Dictionary

the application of maximum thrust

Wordset Dictionary

a fireproof (or fire-resistant) wall designed to prevent the spread of fire through a building or a vehicle

Wordset Dictionary

(computing) a security system consisting of a combination of hardware and software that limits the exposure of a computer or computer network to attack from crackers

Classifications

Entity Type

Network95%rule-basedr:entity.network.gear.v1
?unassignedlast reviewed

Sensitivity

unclassified

Information Class

unclassified

Variants

alternatephrasing
Firewall
plural
firewalls
possessive
firewall's
pluralpossessive
firewalls'