What feature allows the Sophos Firewall to block connections based on user identity rather than IP address?

User Identity Rules are a key feature of the Sophos Firewall that enable it to block connections based on user identity, rather than solely relying on IP addresses. This capability is crucial in environments where users might switch devices or use various IP addresses, but still need consistent access control based on their authenticated identity.

By leveraging user identity, the firewall can enforce policies specific to individual users or user groups, making it possible to tailor access privileges more finely. This means that administrators can manage user access rights without tying them to a static IP, thus adapting to dynamic network environments and improving overall security.

Geo-Blocking focuses on limiting access based on geographical locations, providing controls based on the source of connections rather than user identities. IP Filtering is primarily concerned with allowing or blocking traffic based on IP addresses, which does not consider the user behind the connection. Application Control regulates traffic based on the applications being used, rather than on who is using them. These features serve important roles in network security but do not provide the level of granularity and user-centric controls that User Identity Rules offer.