What is the primary purpose of a host-based firewall?

The primary purpose of a host-based firewall is to protect individual computers or servers. Unlike network firewalls, which focus on filtering traffic at a broader level, host-based firewalls are installed directly on a device and control the incoming and outgoing traffic specific to that device. They monitor applications and services running on the host, allowing or blocking data packets based on predetermined security rules. This makes them particularly effective at defending against unauthorized access, malware, and other threats targeted at a specific computer or server. Their configuration can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each device, providing a vital layer of security in addition to network firewalls.

In contrast, filtering traffic between routers pertains to network-level security solutions, while managing network addressing and connecting different networks securely relate to functions that are outside the scope of a host-based firewall's protective focus on individual devices.