What does a firewall help in facilitating?

A firewall plays a crucial role in network security by facilitating protected connections to cooperative parties over networks. It acts as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By allowing only specific types of traffic and blocking unauthorized access, firewalls help secure sensitive data and maintain the integrity of communications between businesses and their partners, thereby enabling safe and reliable interactions.

The other options, while related to business operations, do not accurately describe the primary function of a firewall. Setting up new accounts, accessing banking services online, and managing financial transactions typically involve various tools and processes that may operate within a secure network, but they do not specifically pertain to the function of a firewall in ensuring secure network connections.