Web Application Firewall
Definition of Web Application Firewall as it relates to Technology, Network Security
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security technology designed to protect web applications from malicious traffic and attacks. It functions as a shield, examining incoming HTTP/HTTPS requests at the application layer, and filtering or blocking those deemed harmful based on predefined rules or customized policies. WAFs help maintain network security by thwarting common web exploits such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and local/remote file inclusion. They also provide protection against bots, scrapers, and unauthorized data access, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of web applications.