Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Simple Definition for Beginners:

A web application firewall (WAF) is a security tool that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing traffic to and from web applications, protecting them from various cyber threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common attacks.

Common Use Example:

An e-commerce website uses a WAF to block malicious requests, such as SQL injection attempts or unauthorized access attempts, ensuring the security and availability of the online store.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

A web application firewall (WAF) is a firewall specifically designed to protect web applications from a range of attacks, including but not limited to SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and other application-layer attacks. Key features and functionalities of a WAF include:

• Traffic Monitoring: Inspecting HTTP/HTTPS traffic to detect and block malicious requests or anomalies.
• Rule-Based Filtering: Applying predefined security rules or custom rules to identify and mitigate known attack patterns and vulnerabilities.
• Parameter Validation: Validating input parameters and data submitted to web applications to prevent injection attacks.
• Session Protection: Enforcing session management controls, such as cookie integrity checks and session timeout settings, to prevent unauthorized access.
• Logging and Reporting: Generating logs and reports on detected threats, blocked requests, and security incidents for analysis and response.