What type of network security feature can be used to limit exposure of internal servers to external threats?

A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a specific network security feature designed to enhance the security of internal networks by creating a buffer zone between the public internet and the internal servers. By placing certain services, such as web servers, email servers, or FTP servers in the DMZ, an organization can limit the direct exposure of its internal network to external threats. This configuration allows external users to access the publicly available services without granting them direct access to the internal network, thereby protecting sensitive data and systems.

The DMZ works in conjunction with firewalls to control incoming and outgoing traffic, ensuring that only authorized traffic is allowed to reach the internal network. This layered security approach mitigates risks associated with internet-facing services and provides an additional layer of security by isolating these services from the internal network infrastructure.

In contrast, a firewall primarily monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules but does not create a buffer zone. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures connections between remote users or networks and the internal network, but it does not specifically protect internal servers from external threats. A proxy acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers, which can provide anonymity and some caching functionality, but it does not inherently