Web Application Firewall (WAF) is now a crucial step in the digital era to guarantee strong online application security. The main line of defense against different harmful assaults that result in data breaches, application failures, or the theft of important information is now WAF.
Companies may improve the security of business web applications by putting WAF into place. By keeping track of and filtering web traffic entering and leaving apps, WAF also contributes to the maintenance of system integrity.
How does Web Application Firewall (WAF) operate, what is it used for, and what is its definition? See the article below for more information.
What is a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?
Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security system specifically designed to protect and detect web application security holes from cyber-attacks. WAF acts as a filter between the user and the web application, analyzing every request that comes into the application and blocking or restricting access to suspicious or malicious requests.
WAF works by analyzing HTTP and HTTPS traffic that passes through web applications. This solution uses a set of security policies to identify common attacks, such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, and so on.
In addition to protecting web applications from known attacks, WAFs can also use behavior detection techniques to identify new, previously unknown attacks. Thus, WAF can provide stronger protection against zero-day attacks or those that have not been detected.
What are the Different Types of WAF?
Each form of WAF has unique benefits and drawbacks. The proper sort of WAF should be chosen based on the infrastructure being utilized and the requirements of the web application. To do that, you must first comprehend a few forms of WAF, as listed below.
Network-Based WAF
Apply security guidelines and analyze HTTP/HTTPS traffic traveling via web apps to spot threats. This Network-Based WAF can give diverse web applications hosted on the same network comprehensive security.
Host-Based WAF
Works as an additional security layer between the web application and the operating system. By monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic from web applications, Host-Based WAF can enforce security rules to protect applications from specific attacks and prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities at the operating system level.
Cloud-Based WAF
Provides high scalability, real-time protection, and fast updating of security rules. Cloud-Based WAF can enforce security policies consistently across web applications hosted in various cloud environments.
How do WAF Works?
WAF (Web Application Firewall) is a security system designed to protect web applications from application-layer threats. WAF works by analyzing HTTP traffic, identifying and preventing attacks that have the potential to damage web applications. So, how does it work? Here’s a detailed explanation.
1. Traffic Monitoring
Monitor incoming and outgoing HTTP traffic from web applications. This can be done by analyzing server logs or using other methods such as utilizing a reverse proxy.
2. Filtering
Checks every incoming HTTP request, such as detection of known attacks such as SQL injection, XSS, DDoS attacks, and others. WAF can also check the integrity of incoming data, such as checking the format and type of uploaded files.
3. Behavior Analysis
Study the normal behavior patterns of web applications to identify suspicious activity. This could include unusual frequency of requests, changes to access patterns, or repeated attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.
4. Precautions
Detect suspicious attacks or activity. For example, WAF can block requests identified as attacks, issue warnings, or redirect traffic to a special error page.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
Provide monitoring and reporting regarding detected attacks. This allows system administrators to review suspicious activity, take appropriate action, and improve WAF rules for future protection.
To secure the overall security of online applications, WAF is typically used in conjunction with other security measures including input filtering, data encryption, setting appropriate permissions, and routine application software updates.
Why is Your Business Required to Use WAF?
The implementation of WAF can help defend against attacks that could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of user or enterprise data. Companies can stop PDP Act-infringing attacks including data theft, injection assaults, and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks using WAF.
To identify attacks against current web application weaknesses, WAF is crucial. This attack can be used to get unauthorized access to confidential information. Businesses can track and assess web application traffic in real-time by employing WAF. This makes it possible for early attack detection and prevention, lowering the risk of data breaches for businesses.
Additionally, WAF aids businesses in defending web applications from DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) assaults. DDoS attacks have the potential to harm a company’s reputation while interfering with the availability of web apps.
Businesses can monitor and filter incoming traffic and stop DDoS assaults by utilizing WAF. Companies may therefore guarantee the availability of web apps that are maintained and stable.
What happens then if you wish to implement a WAF solution without the burden of manual administration that takes a lot of time? You can use F5 NGINX App Protect solution. This solution has demonstrated real-time data theft and XSS attack detection capabilities, ensuring strong, integrated web application security that can be applied across a range of platforms.
Improve Your Website and Applications Security with F5 NGINX App Protect
A Web application firewall (WAF) solution called F5 NGINX App Protect was created by F5 Networks. Web applications are protected by F5 NGINX App Protect from web-based threats including SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and other application assaults.
F5 NGINX App Protect safeguards your web applications may benefit from an additional layer of security. Between the client and the web application server, F5 NGINX App Protect acts as a proxy, examining requests and answers as they transit through the firewall and enforcing set security standards. In addition, below are some of the key characteristics of F5 NGINX App Protect.
1. Maximizing Security
Ensure that your web applications remain safe from threats that can take advantage of security holes.
2. Integrating Security at a Large Scale
Ensures that all web application traffic within your environment remains safe and secure.
3. Applicable Security on Multiple Platforms
Designed to be platform-agnostic, which means it can protect web applications running in a variety of environments, such as cloud-based, container, or on-premises environments.
4. Security Automation for DevSecOps
Supports DevSecOps principles with security automation. In this context, you can automate the implementation and configuration of security policies, ensuring that continuously developed web applications remain protected and secure.
Get F5 NGINX App Protect: WAF on CDT
Central Data Technology (CDT) as F5 authorized partner in Indonesia, will provide comprehensive IT solutions according to your business needs. Supported by a professional, experienced, and certified IT team, CDT will also assist you through the consultation, deployment, management, and after-sales support stages so that you avoid trial and error when implementing the F5 NGINX App Protect: WAF solution.
Interested in using the F5 NGINX App Protect: WAF solution? Contact us immediately by clicking the following link.
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writer CTI Group
