WAF (Web Application Firewall)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF), which stands for web application security firewall, operates as a security tool that monitors traffic between websites and applications and the internet, and blocks malicious requests. This security tool, which inspects HTTP/HTTPS data packets, helps keep your server protected from malicious bots. In other words, through this system, protection can be provided against common cyber threats such as SQL Injection, Cross Site Scripting (XSS), malicious bot attacks, and brute force login attempts. WAF also helps mitigate the impact of potential DDoS attacks by detecting abnormal traffic behavior. WAF solutions can block attacks before they reach the application, as they analyze incoming data packets in real time. This ensures both data security is maintained and uninterrupted operation of the web application is supported. In addition to answering the question of what WAF means, the working principle of a web application firewall can also be seen below.
How Does WAF Work?
The WAF system is positioned between the user and the web server, monitoring incoming and outgoing HTTP/HTTPS traffic. Thanks to this structure, all requests reaching the web application first pass through security filters. The system analyzes suspicious behavior based on predefined security policies and blocks requests deemed risky. For example, when a user attempts to inject malicious code into a form field, the WAF can detect this request and prevent it from reaching the application. Likewise, abnormal traffic spikes, bot activity, or unauthorized access attempts can also be automatically filtered by the system. WAF solutions, which can be deployed as cloud-based, network-based, or host-based, can be configured to suit different infrastructures. In particular, cloud-based WAF services are frequently preferred due to their fast deployment and centralized management advantages.
