What is the function of the Deny action in firewall rules?

The Deny action in firewall rules serves to completely block matching traffic. When a firewall is configured with a rule that specifies the Deny action, it instructs the firewall to prevent any specified types of communication from entering or leaving the network. This approach can be critical for enhancing security, as it helps mitigate risks by eliminating unwanted or potentially harmful data packets from transmission.

By explicitly denying traffic that meets certain criteria, administrators can create a robust security posture. This enables organizations to control access more effectively, ensuring that only authorized traffic is allowed while all other traffic is actively blocked. In contrast, the other options represent different functions that do not align with the purpose of the Deny action; for example, allowing specific traffic or logging traffic does not prevent unauthorized access, which is the primary purpose of a Deny action.