What role do firewalls serve in cloud security?

Firewalls play a crucial role in maintaining the security of cloud environments by controlling the traffic that flows between cloud resources and local networks. This functionality is essential for preventing unauthorized access, detecting intrusions, and managing the data entering or leaving the network. By enforcing security policies, firewalls can help ensure that only legitimate traffic is allowed through, thereby safeguarding sensitive information stored in the cloud.

Cloud environments can be exposed to various threats, and having a firewall in place helps establish a barrier against these potential security breaches. It monitors and filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. This is particularly important in cloud security, where resources may be distributed across multiple locations and accessed by various users and devices.

The other options describe functions that are not typically associated with the primary role of firewalls. Encrypting data transmissions is generally handled by other security measures, such as VPNs or TLS protocols. Managing user passwords falls within the realm of identity and access management solutions, rather than the function of a firewall. Additionally, firewalls do not replace antivirus software; instead, they complement it by providing network-level security while antivirus solutions focus on detecting and removing malware on individual devices.