What built-in feature in Windows OS scans incoming and outgoing traffic for malicious data?

The firewall in Windows OS is designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It serves as a barrier between the trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, helping to protect the computer from unauthorized access and potential threats. By analyzing traffic, the firewall can block or allow data packets based on specified criteria, thus ensuring a more secure communication environment.

While antivirus software primarily focuses on detecting, preventing, and removing malware from the system, and malware scanners specifically look for known malicious software within files or applications, the fundamental role of a firewall is to manage the traffic flow and protect against external threats in real time. Similarly, an intrusion detection system monitors network traffic for suspicious activities but is more focused on detection rather than the proactive blocking feature of the firewall. Each of these tools plays a vital role in a comprehensive security strategy, but when it comes to scanning traffic itself, the firewall is the primary component in Windows OS.