What is one characteristic of a well-configured personal firewall?

A well-configured personal firewall's primary characteristic is its ability to block unwanted network intrusions. This is crucial for maintaining the security of the user's device by preventing unauthorized access from external sources, such as hackers or malicious software. A personal firewall inspects incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules and policies, allowing it to discern which connections should be permitted or denied. By effectively blocking potential threats, it helps to safeguard personal information and secure data against exploitation or theft.

In contrast, allowing all incoming connections would leave the system vulnerable to attacks, as it would not have the capability to differentiate between safe and harmful traffic. Although logging traffic can be useful for monitoring purposes, continuous logging alone does not provide security; the key function is preventing intrusions. Additionally, a personal firewall that operates without user input may not adapt to specific security needs or changes in the environment, limiting its effectiveness. Thus, the capacity to block unwanted intrusions is fundamental to the operation of a well-configured personal firewall.