To block, monitor or filter outbound and in-bound web application traffic, a web application firewall is used. They have a strong grip on the traffic and provide intense analysis of data flow. While IPS/IDS act as gatekeepers for network traffics, WAF only looks read article out for the attacks from other applications and examines HTTP/HTTPS protocols.
WAFs act as a two-way gatekeeper when they are placed on the application layer of the appliance. It takes immediate action whenever it detects any foreign or malicious file. It can function being independent of the application but also adjusts and changes according to the application.
There are several types of WAFs for different servers
Host-based WAF – They are in the form of modules for web server. It is an inexpensive solution and made for smaller web applications. Most WAFs are server-friendly, and can be integrated with web servers. It is not as much reliable for large web application as it can lead the attacks to the interiors of the server and disable its functions. Host-based WAF is best for small web servers, where you cannot attract too much attacks.
Cloud-based WAF – It is a low cost software-based WAF solution, without on-premises resources. The solution is best when you don’t want to compromise on performance capacities or want to have a system without much maintenance. The providers offer unlimited hardware pools with cooperative support and setup. But you need to get it serviced once in a while else the cost can touch skies and your physical appliance would be burdened.
Network-based WAF – It is a traditional hardware-based solution. You can get it installed from any local service provider, which means that you can have application server nearby your place. The solution is also easy to install and used thereafter. They might be more costly than the above two solutions, but they allow implementation across all sizes of organization at a cheap cost.
