Which of the following is a benefit of using a firewall?

Using a firewall primarily provides the benefit of monitoring outgoing traffic, which is critical for ensuring the security of a network. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By monitoring outgoing traffic, firewalls can detect and prevent data leaks or unauthorized transmissions of sensitive information from inside the network.

This capability allows organizations to maintain control over their data and reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats. Monitoring outgoing traffic helps in identifying potential breaches, misuse of data by employees, or unauthorized access attempts, thereby contributing to the overall security posture of the organization.

In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the role of a firewall or pertain to controls that firewalls do not typically perform. Firewalls do not inherently protect physical assets from theft; they focus on network-based security measures. While managing user permissions is an important aspect of security, it is generally handled by identity and access management systems rather than firewalls. Lastly, preventing the installation of unauthorized software is more aligned with endpoint security solutions and not the primary function of firewalls.