A web application firewall (WAF) is a security system that monitors and filters incoming traffic to your website or application. It acts as an additional layer of protection, inspecting HTTP requests and responses to identify potential threats and block malicious attacks.
Unlike traditional firewalls, which focus on network-level security, WAFs are designed specifically for web applications. They can detect and prevent common web-based attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).
A WAF works by analyzing incoming traffic and comparing it to a set of predefined rules. These rules are designed to identify known attack patterns, such as common SQL injection or XSS attacks.
If the traffic matches one of these patterns, the WAF can block the request or modify it to prevent the attack from succeeding. This ensures that your website remains secure and protected from malicious activity.
In today's digital landscape, web applications are increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Without proper security measures in place, your website can be compromised, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your reputation.
A WAF provides an additional layer of protection against these threats, ensuring that your website remains secure and available to users.