Which ESXi security feature protects against unauthorized network access?

The host-based firewall is designed specifically to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's previously established security policies. Within an ESXi environment, this feature acts as a crucial line of defense against unauthorized access attempts by filtering traffic that reaches the virtual machine layer. It allows administrators to set rules that permit or deny specific types of traffic, offering customizable security tailored to the needs of the virtual environment.

This capability is essential for protecting the ESXi host and the virtual machines running on it from potential threats that might exploit vulnerabilities in the network configuration. Using a host-based firewall can significantly reduce the attack surface and enhance the overall security posture of the virtualization platform. While other options may also contribute to network security, the host-based firewall directly addresses unauthorized access in the context of ESXi management and operation.