Web application firewall (WAF)

A web application firewall (WAF) is a security tool designed to protect web applications from various types of attacks by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. For cloud security engineers, WAF provides a crucial layer of defense for web applications hosted in cloud environments.

WAFs typically work by applying a set of rules to HTTP conversations. These rules are designed to protect against common web exploits such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, file inclusion, and improper system configuration. WAFs can operate in different modes, including monitoring only, blocking malicious traffic, or a hybrid approach.

In cloud environments, WAFs play a vital role in protecting web applications from an ever-evolving landscape of threats. Cloud-based WAFs are often delivered as a service, providing scalability and ease of management for distributed applications. They can be particularly effective in defending against application-layer attacks that might bypass network-level security measures. By implementing a WAF, cloud security engineers can enhance their ability to protect web applications from known and emerging threats, maintain compliance with security standards, and gain valuable insights into application traffic patterns and potential security incidents.