Which best describes the function of failover in firewalls?

The function of failover in firewalls is primarily to provide redundancy in case of system failure. This ensures that if one firewall fails or becomes unavailable due to hardware issues or other failures, another backup firewall can take over without disrupting network operations. The implementation of failover mechanisms allows for continuous availability of services, which is crucial for maintaining network security and stability. This redundancy helps prevent downtimes that could expose the network to vulnerabilities or service interruptions, thereby enhancing overall reliability in network security setups.

The other options do not accurately depict the primary role of failover. Enhancing internet speed is unrelated to the failover functionality, as it's primarily focused on maintaining operational integrity during failures. Encouraging configuration changes does not align with the failover process, which aims at stability rather than frequent modifications. Similarly, reducing hardware costs is not a direct benefit of failover; rather, deploying redundant systems often entails additional investment to ensure that there is a functional backup ready to take over when needed.