Hardware firewalls defend the network systems from all external attacks. A software firewall protects a specific device from incoming and outgoing traffic and internal systems risks. Although hardware firewalls are excellent at protecting systems from external attacks, software firewalls are still necessary to stop threats from internal networks, such as links carrying malware. Even with software and hardware firewalls in place, individuals and organizations still need a vigilant and knowledgeable team to watch and manage these firewalls, as alarms can be easily missed.