A cloud firewall is a security solution designed to protect cloud-based infrastructure and applications. It monitors, filters, and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic between cloud resources and the internet, blocking unauthorized access and threats. Unlike traditional firewalls that are hardware-based and installed on-premises, cloud firewalls operate virtually, providing scalable and flexible protection for organizations using cloud services. They help enforce security policies, prevent data breaches, and ensure compliance with regulations by inspecting traffic in real time.