In today's digital world, protecting web applications and IT infrastructure from network threats is crucial. As threats become increasingly severe and frequent, choosing an effective Web Application Firewall (WAF) is essential for every organization. In this article, we offer guidance on what to consider when selecting a WAF for your company.

To recap, a WAF monitors, filters, and blocks HTTP/S traffic between web applications and the internet. It analyzes incoming network traffic, identifying and neutralizing potential threats based on predefined security rules, such as protection against SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. A WAF can block, allow, or log traffic depending on its characteristics, effectively safeguarding applications from unauthorized access and other threats.

When considering IT infrastructure protection, it is important to remember a few basic requirements that a WAF should meet to effectively perform its tasks.

Threat detection and prevention

A WAF should be capable of detecting and preventing a wide range of cyber threats, including:

• SQL Injection
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks

The solution should stay up-to-date with the latest threats and adhere to standards set by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP).

Behavioral analysis and anomaly detection

Advanced WAFs use behavioral analysis to detect anomalies in network traffic and user behaviors. This helps identify new, unknown threats that might be missed by traditional signature-based detection methods. A WAF should be able to adapt and learn from new attack patterns to provide continuous protection.

High performance and scalability

A WAF should not impact the performance of web applications. It should be capable of handling large volumes of traffic without introducing significant delays. Scalability is also crucial to meet the growing traffic demands and expanding infrastructure needs.

Ease of integration

The WAF solution should seamlessly integrate with existing security systems, such as SIEM systems. This ensures a cohesive approach to security and enhances the effectiveness of the entire security ecosystem.

Reporting and alerting

A robust WAF should provide detailed reports and real-time alerts regarding security incidents. Receiving such information, for example, on a phone, enables quick response to threats. Additionally, receiving detailed analyses helps prepare for future attacks.

User session management

Effective management and monitoring of user sessions are key to preventing session hijacking and unauthorized access. A WAF should be capable of tracking and controlling user sessions, enforcing session time limits, and detecting unusual behaviors.

Customization of security policies

A WAF should allow the customization of security policies to meet the specific needs of an organization. This includes creating tailored rules for unique application requirements and adjusting existing rules to enhance protection.

Compliance with regulations

The solution should help organizations comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as GDPR and NIS2. Compliance support ensures that the organization meets legal and regulatory requirements while protecting sensitive data.

User-friendly interface and easy management

An intuitive, user-friendly interface simplifies the management and configuration of the WAF. Easy-to-use operations, automatic rule updates, and simple configuration processes can significantly reduce the complexity of deploying and maintaining a WAF.

Vendor support and community trust

Choosing a WAF from a reputable vendor with solid support and a trusted user community is crucial. Look for solutions with positive reviews, reliable customer service, and active development to ensure continuous improvement and support.

Why is all this important? A brief on the GitHub attack

WAFs have already saved many companies from hacker attacks. One of the more well-known cases where a WAF played a key role in protecting a famous brand is the 2018 attack on GitHub. GitHub, a hosting platform for software development projects, was attacked with a DDoS attack measuring 1.35 terabits per second!

Thanks to the use of a WAF, the attack was quickly identified and blocked, allowing GitHub to maintain the availability of its platform for millions of users worldwide. With the help of a WAF, GitHub defended itself, and the attack subsided after 8 minutes.

Therefore, choosing the right WAF is crucial for protecting web applications and IT infrastructure against the ever-evolving threat landscape. By considering the criteria we have provided, organizations can choose a WAF solution that offers robust, scalable, and effective protection, ensuring the security and integrity of their digital assets.

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