Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A security solution that filters and monitors HTTP traffic to protect web applications from attacks.
Understanding Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security solution that filters, monitors, and blocks malicious HTTP/S traffic targeting web applications. It protects against common threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other application-layer attacks.
How WAF Works
Traffic Inspection – Analyzes incoming and outgoing web traffic for suspicious patterns.
Rule-Based Filtering – Uses predefined security rules to detect and block threats.
Real-Time Protection – Prevents attacks in real-time without impacting legitimate user access.
Logging and Reporting – Maintains logs of suspicious activities for analysis and forensics.
Types of WAFs
Network-Based WAF – Deployed at the network perimeter using hardware appliances.
Host-Based WAF – Installed directly on web servers as a software module.
Cloud-Based WAF – Offered as a managed security service by providers like AWS, Cloudflare, and Akamai.
Conclusion
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is an essential security measure for protecting web applications from cyber threats. Implementing a WAF can significantly reduce risks and improve an organization's overall security posture.