What is the primary function of a Host-Based Firewall?

The primary function of a Host-Based Firewall is to protect the computer on which it is installed. This type of firewall is specifically designed to filter incoming and outgoing traffic for a single device, allowing it to provide tailored security measures that address the unique needs of that system. By monitoring and controlling network traffic at the host level, a Host-Based Firewall can block unauthorized access, mitigate attacks, and prevent the spread of malware, serving as a critical component of endpoint security.

In contrast, other choices describe functions that do not align with the primary role of a Host-Based Firewall. While a Host-Based Firewall is focused on individual device protection, the idea of protecting the entire network as a whole pertains more to network firewalls. Monitoring traffic across multiple devices is also a characteristic of network-based systems, not a Host-Based Firewall. Lastly, encryption of communications falls under different protocols and security measures that are distinct from the traffic filtering functions of a Host-Based Firewall.