Here are eight reasons why we require a Web Application Firewall (WAF):
- Protect against SQL Injection attacks: WAFs can inspect incoming traffic and block SQL Injection attacks which are a common type of attack that exploit application vulnerabilities to access and manipulate databases.
- Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): WAFs can also detect and block XSS attacks that inject malicious scripts into a web application that can be executed by unsuspecting users.
- Block Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): WAFs can block CSRF attacks that exploit the trust of a web application's users to execute unwanted actions on their behalf.
- Guard against Remote File Inclusion (RFI): WAFs can block RFI attacks that allow attackers to execute code remotely on the web server.
- Prevent Directory Traversal: WAFs can also prevent directory traversal attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to access restricted directories and files.
- Provide additional layer of security: WAFs provide an additional layer of security beyond traditional firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS), which are not designed to protect against web application-specific attacks.
- Compliance with industry standards: WAFs are often required by industry standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Protect business reputation: Security breaches can be costly to an organization in terms of financial losses, legal fees, and damage to reputation. WAFs can help mitigate the risk of a security breach by preventing attacks on web applications.
