AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall)
AWS WAF is a security service that helps protect web applications from common web exploits and vulnerabilities.
Description
AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) is a cloud-based security service offered by Amazon Web Services that provides protection for web applications against common threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities. It enables developers and security teams to create custom rules that filter and monitor HTTP and HTTPS requests based on specific criteria. By using AWS WAF, organizations can deploy their web applications more securely while ensuring regulatory compliance. The service integrates seamlessly with other AWS services like Amazon CloudFront, Application Load Balancer, and API Gateway, allowing for a more comprehensive security posture. Users can define rules based on IP addresses, HTTP headers, URI strings, and more, giving them the flexibility to tailor the firewall to their specific needs. Additionally, AWS WAF provides real-time metrics and logging capabilities, which help in monitoring and responding to potential threats effectively. This proactive approach to security is vital in today’s threat landscape, where web applications are frequent targets for cyber attacks.
Examples
- Blocking specific IP addresses known for malicious activity.
- Rate-limiting requests to prevent DDoS attacks against a web application.
Additional Information
- AWS WAF is part of the AWS Shield service, which provides additional DDoS protection.
- Customers can use managed rule groups provided by AWS or third-party vendors to simplify rule management.