In the era of digitalization and widespread use of online services, protecting citizens' data and ensuring the security of IT systems has become a priority for public institutions. Increasingly complex and advanced threats require the use of modern security technologies that can effectively protect against cyberattacks. One such solution is the Web Application Firewall (WAF), which is a crucial element in safeguarding web applications from various attacks.

WAF in brief. How does a Web Application Firewall work? 

A WAF can be described as the guardian of websites, applications, servers, virtual machines, and the entire IT infrastructure connected to the outside world. It inspects all incoming information and determines whether it is safe or not. If it detects anything suspicious, it stops it and prevents it from entering.

Delving into details, a Web Application Firewall is a specialized solution that monitors, filters, and blocks HTTP/S traffic to and from the IT infrastructure. A WAF operates by inspecting network traffic, identifying, and neutralizing threats before they reach the application. This is possible because the WAF analyzes incoming internet traffic, identifying suspicious requests based on defined security rules. It can block, allow, or log traffic depending on its characteristics.

A WAF uses a set of rules to define which types of traffic are considered safe and which are potentially harmful. These rules can be based on OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) standards and may include protection against attacks such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and others.

Advanced WAFs employ behavioral analysis techniques to recognize new, unknown threats based on anomalies in network traffic and unusual user behaviors. Additionally, a WAF monitors and manages user sessions to prevent session hijacking, brute force attacks, and other forms of unauthorized access.

A WAF can be integrated with other security solutions such as Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), network firewalls, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

Furthermore, a WAF generates detailed reports and alerts about attack attempts, allowing for rapid response and the implementation of appropriate countermeasures.

What can happen if a public institution neglects cybersecurity? 

Neglecting cybersecurity by a municipality or public administration authority can lead to various damages and consequences, including:

• Data breaches
• Data manipulation (introducing false data)
• Service disruptions
• Financial losses
• Damage to reputation
• Threat of compensation payouts
• Legal violations
• Disruption of administrative operations
• Interference with emergency actions (e.g., in the case of armed conflict)
• Need for system repairs

These are just the most general consequences of hacker attacks. However, the impact can be significantly higher, considering the specific nature of institutions such as hospitals, transportation companies, financial institutions, etc.

What are the benefits of WAF for an institution?

• Preventing, tracking, and analyzing attacks
• Protecting against DDoS attacks, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
• Blocking unauthorized access to IT infrastructure (website, server, application, etc.)
• Helping ensure compliance with regulations (e.g., GDPR or NIS 2)
• Increasing user/citizen trust
• Improving service availability
• Supporting IT infrastructure performance optimization
• Minimizing the risk of a trust crisis by effectively avoiding incidents
• High configuration and integration capabilities with other systems

WAF implementation - how long does it take and how does it proceed?

A typical WAF implementation can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on various factors. These include the complexity of the infrastructure, the size of the organization, and the specifics of the WAF product (there are at least a dozen WAF products on the market). Implementing a WAF requires careful planning, testing, and customization to meet the specific needs of the organization.

Do you have questions about WAF? Or are you planning an implementation? Contact us, we will gladly answer your questions!