Learn why a web application firewall plays a vital role in a comprehensive security suite that most of us need- if not all.
Cyberattacks are continuously evolving. Getting more sophisticated, more complex, and more diverse in both scale and size. So, as an entrepreneur, you need to employ the right defensive solutions in place to maintain your smooth digital experience. One of the most popular defensive solution to stay safe and online 24 x 7 x 365 and protect your businesses in the present scenario is a Web application firewall (WAF).
But, is it really? Do all of us need a WAF? Most likely, the answer is YES!
Have a look:
To understand the need for a web application firewall, you need to first acknowledge different types of cyberattacks that occur on different communication levels between two endpoints. Let’s use the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. We all know communication is categorized into seven different layers.
- Layer 1 (Physical): Represents physical requirements needed to operate the system
- Layer 2 (Datalink): Handles error correction and node-to-node data transfer from the physical layer
- Layer 3 (Network): Represents the layer at which packet forwarding takes place using routers
- Layer 4 (Transport): Decisive layer. Helps make critical decisions like how much data need to be transmitted, at what rate and where should it go
- Layer 5 (Session): Here communication (setup, coordination, or termination) takes place between computers
- Layer 6 (Presentation): Here format translation occurs. Application format gets translated to network format or vice versa. Common example: data encryption and decryption
- Layer 7 (Application): Interaction between users and applications takes place.
A Prime feature that distinguishes a firewall and web application firewall is that a firewall works on network and transport layers, i.e. it protects layer 3 and 4. WAF, on the other side, provides protection from layer 3 to 7, i.e. network, transport, session, presentation, and application layers. Hence, more inclusive security against a range of cyberattacks.
So, if you are having only a firewall and considering yourself fully secure, it is possible, for you to become a cyberattack victim. Attacks like OWASP top 10, SQL injection, and DDoS can easily target you.
Other Distinguishing Features of Web Application Firewall
Apart from delivering protection against attacks occurring at OSI layers 3 to 7, WAF can do a lot:
- WAF can control and analyze web traffic
- WAF can stop known threats
- WAF can spot as well as flag malicious behaviors using ML or other AI types
- WAF acts as a Reverse Proxy. It sits ahead of web server, intercepts client request, sends it to web server, and receive a response with reverse proxy. It also ensures no direct interaction takes place between the client and the origin server. (Benefit: Attack execution become more challenging)
- WAF detect and stop attacks that target the vulnerability and protects against new vulnerabilities
- WAF ensures to keep your web apps and site online
- WAF mitigates exploitation risk, offers anticipated time to developers to identify, fix, and test modifications required to address a vulnerability
- WAF gives you environmental security needed to deploy as well as deliver application
- WAF detects and offers protection against stealth attacks trying to exploit the legitimate behavior of applications as well as protocols
WAF: A One Stop Solution for All
With the advancement of technology, shift to online business or online service, it is a dire need to have the right security solution in place. Overlooking a comprehensive security solution can make you vulnerable to attack, cause downtime, disrupt operations, cause data breaches, impact revenue and can even impact your business reputation. An easy solution to combat all these apprehensions is a web application firewall solution.
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