What is WAF? Web Application Firewall Guide
WAF, or Web Application Firewall, is a vital protection shield for websites and applications in the digital world. In today’s environment full of cyber threats, web applications cannot escape being the target of attacks such as SQL injection, XSS or DDoS. So, what exactly is a WAF and why is it so important? If you are a website owner or take digital security seriously, this guide is for you.
What is WAF?
Web Application Firewall is a security layer that protects web applications against cyber threats. Unlike traditional firewalls, it analyzes traffic over HTTP/HTTPS protocols and blocks malicious requests. It protects against threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and DDoS.
This system acts as a shield between the web server and the user. It examines incoming HTTP requests and ensures that only secure requests reach the application. This protects user data and supports the uninterrupted operation of the application.
Main Objectives
Security: Protects the application from malicious attacks.
Performance: Reduces server load by filtering harmful traffic.
Compliance: Supports compliance with standards such as PCI DSS.
How Does It Work?
WAF analyzes web traffic with rules and policies. These rules are based on threat databases or defined security policies. Detects anomalous behavior by examining the content, headers and parameters of the HTTP request.
Working Mechanism
Traffic Analysis: Scans incoming requests in real time.
Rule-Based Filtering: Blocks malicious requests (e.g. SQL injection).
Behavior Analysis: Artificial intelligence-supported systems detect abnormal behavior.
Logging and Reporting: Logs blocked requests and provides reports.
It usually works as a reverse proxy, intermediating between the user and the server and filtering traffic.
What Are the Types?
WAFs come in different types according to the needs of the business.
1. Hardware Based
Definition: Installed as a physical device.
Advantages High performance, low latency.
Disadvantages: High cost, installation complexity.
Area of Use: Large-scale enterprises.
2. Software Based
Description: Installed on a server or in the cloud.
Advantages: Affordable cost, easy installation.
Disadvantages: Performance may be lower.
Area of Use: Small and medium-sized enterprises.
3. Cloud Based
Description: Hosted on cloud infrastructure.
Advantages: Scalability, low cost, automatic updates.
Disadvantages: Internet addiction, data privacy concerns.
Usage Area: Businesses that require fast installation.
What are the Advantages?
Threat Protection: Defense against attacks such as SQL injection, XSS, CSRF.
Data Security: Protects user data, prevents leaks.
Compliance: Facilitates compliance with regulations such as PCI DSS, GDPR.
Uninterrupted Service: Improves availability by blocking DDoS attacks.
Flexibility: Offers customizable rules.
What are the Limitations?
False Positives: Can inadvertently block legitimate requests.
Management Complexity: Hardware-based systems require expertise.
Scope Limitation: Focuses only on the application layer.
Setup and Best Practices
To use WAF effectively:
Choose the Right Type: Determine the type that suits your needs.
Update Rules: Refresh rules based on the threat environment.
Performance Test: Check the performance of the site.
Log Analysis: Regularly review blocked requests.
Expert Support: Work with an expert team for management.
Comparison with Other Security Solutions
Traditional Firewall: Focuses on the network layer.
IDS/IPS: Covers a wide range of threats, but is not specific to the application layer.
Integration with CDN: Cloud WAFs provide performance and security with CDN.
Who Should Use It?
E-commerce Sites: For user data.
Financial Institutions: For sensitive data security.
Public Organizations: For DDoS protection.
As a result, Web Application Firewall protects web applications against cyber threats and supports compliance with security standards. Whether you run a small blog or a large e-commerce platform, this system strengthens your security. By choosing the right solution and following best practices, you can ensure security in the digital world. Security is not an option, it is a necessity!
