A software firewall capable of content filtering can perform what action?

A software firewall that incorporates content filtering has the ability to analyze and control the data that passes through it based on the content of that data. This includes inspecting file attachments and payloads to make decisions on whether to allow or deny them based on predefined rules.

By allowing or denying specific attachment and payload types, the firewall can prevent potentially harmful content—such as malware or unwanted file types—from entering the system, thereby enhancing security. This capability is crucial in protecting the user from risks associated with downloading or executing untrusted files.

Other options offered, like blocking all incoming connections, while a common firewall capability, do not reflect the specificity of content filtering. Similarly, encrypting all outgoing data is a different functionality that focuses on data security rather than content inspection. Automatically updating firewall rules might be useful for maintaining the firewall's effectiveness, but it does not pertain directly to content filtering itself.