Definition
Firewall management refers to the ongoing process of planning, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining firewalls to protect an organization's network and data. This involves configuring firewall rules, updating software, analyzing logs for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents. Effective firewall management is crucial for preventing unauthorized access, mitigating threats like malware and intrusion attempts, and ensuring compliance with security policies. For instance, a company might regularly review and update its firewall rules to block access to known malicious IP addresses or specific ports used by vulnerable services. This differs from initial firewall deployment, as management focuses on continuous operation and adaptation rather than a one-time setup. Concepts related to firewall management are frequently assessed in CompTIA Security+ and AWS Certified Security Specialty exams.