Which of the following best describes firewall rules?

Firewall rules are best described as rules that control traffic flow to and from instances. These rules are essential for managing network security within Google Cloud. They specify which incoming and outgoing connections are permitted or denied, based on various criteria such as IP address ranges, protocols, and ports. This traffic control is critical for protecting cloud resources from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to flow.

Firewall rules enable network engineers to enforce security policies at the network level, ensuring that only designated traffic is allowed through the firewall, which is essential for maintaining a secure infrastructure in cloud environments. This functionality is vital for both protecting sensitive data and ensuring that applications operate correctly by allowing necessary communications while restricting unwanted access.