Which component of a computer would utilize a firewall?

A firewall is primarily used in networking to protect devices from unauthorized access and potential threats. The router is the component of a computer or network that connects multiple devices, allowing them to communicate with each other and access the internet. It acts as a gateway for data entering and leaving the network.

By implementing a firewall on a router, it can monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and enforce security rules. This helps prevent malicious actors from accessing sensitive information or launching attacks on devices within the network.

The other components listed—printer, hard drive, and monitor—do not serve as gateways for network traffic and therefore do not require a firewall to function. A printer typically connects to a network for shared use, but it doesn't manage network traffic itself. The hard drive is a storage device, and while it contains data that needs to be secure, it does not interact with network traffic directly. The monitor displays information but is not involved in network security or communication. Thus, the router is indeed the correct component that would utilize a firewall for network protection.