Firewall software

A program installed on a single device that filters its incoming and outgoing traffic using security rules.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O2 - Cyber Security — Module 9, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 122, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 112, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 118

Understanding Firewall software in VCE Cyber Security

What it does: This describes what a per-application rule does in firewall software. Firewall software is installed on and protects one specific device. A host-based firewall is firewall software running on a single host. Rules can be set individually for different applications on the device. A program installed on a single device that filters its incoming and outgoing traffic using security rules.

Common mistakes: Firewall software protects one device, not every device on the network. Firewall software rules can be set per application on the device.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning

Duo

Does firewall software run on an individual device?

YesNo

Matches

Firewall software protects every device on the network

↓

Wrong - it only protects the single device it's installed on

Applying

Meanings

Term

Firewall software

Meaning

A program installed on a single device that filters its incoming and outgoing traffic using security rules.

Practice

Firewall software runs on one device.

Testing

Gaps

A firewall runs on one device

Check Answer

Spots

1It guards every network device

2Firewall software runs on it

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Quick Questions

1. Does firewall software run on an individual device?

A. No

B. Yes ✓

Firewall software is installed on and protects one specific device.

2. Can firewall software apply rules per application?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

Firewall software can set different rules for different apps on the device.

3. Does firewall software protect every device on the network at once?

A. No ✓

B. Yes

It protects only the device it is installed on, not the whole network.

4. Is firewall software the same as a physical hardware firewall?

A. Yes

B. No ✓

Firewall software is a program; a hardware firewall is a physical device.

5. Does firewall software filter both incoming and outgoing traffic?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

Firewall software checks traffic in both directions for that device.

Match the Pairs

Firewall software → Filters traffic for a single device using rules

Host-based firewall → Firewall software that protects one specific host

Filtering traffic differently for each app on a device → Per-application rule

One is a program, one is a physical device → Software vs hardware firewall

Firewall software protects every device on the network → Wrong - it only protects the single device it's installed on

Firewall software is a physical box plugged into the network → Wrong - firewall software is a program, not physical hardware

Key Term

Firewall software

A program installed on a single device that filters its incoming and outgoing traffic using security rules.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A software firewall runs on one device

Hint: Type the word for a program-based firewall, not a physical device.

2. Firewall software runs on a single device

Hint: Type the word for the single computer being protected.

3. Software firewalls filter traffic per application

Hint: Type the word for a specific program the rule applies to.

4. A hardware firewall is a physical device

Hint: Type the word for the type of firewall that is a physical device, not software.

5. Host-based firewalls protect a single host

Hint: Type the word for the single device being protected.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A It guards every network device

B Firewall software runs on it

C It filters that device's data

Line A — Firewall software protects one device, not every device on the network.

Question 2

A Rules never apply to apps

B Software firewalls use rules

C Rules can target one app

Line A — Firewall software rules can be set per application on the device.

Question 3

A Host-based guards one host

B It guards the whole network

C It installs on one device

Line B — Firewall software protects the single device it's installed on, not the whole network.

Question 4

A A software firewall is code

B It is a box on the network

C It filters one device's data

Line B — A software firewall is a program, not a physical device like a hardware firewall.

Question 5

A Firewall software has rules

B It can allow or block data

C It never filters anything

Line C — Filtering traffic is the core purpose of firewall software.

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