What is the primary role of a firewall in an organization?

The primary role of a firewall is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. This function is essential for the protection of network resources, as it establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, including the internet. By evaluating the data packets and applying the security rules defined by the organization, the firewall helps to prevent unauthorized access and can mitigate various types of cyber threats, such as intrusion attempts and network attacks.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the core functions of a firewall. While preventing internet access may be a secondary function in certain contexts, it is not the primary role of a firewall. Encryption of sensitive information is typically handled by different security mechanisms, such as VPNs or encryption protocols, rather than by a firewall itself. Similarly, the automatic updating of security patches is a task typically managed by a patch management system, not a firewall. Hence, the correct answer highlights the essential traffic regulation purpose of firewalls in an organization's security infrastructure.