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Introduction
The internet is more “noisy” than ever, but it is in silence that the most dangerous attacks happen.
scripts tests breaches into forms, probes apis, and try to inject malicious codes without lifting any visible warning. These are invasion attempts that occur while their application appears to work normally. And when the problem is often revealed, damage has already been done : exposed data, unavailability and the confidence of its clients shaken.
And this is not a distant hypothesis. Sonicwall report , more than 317 million ransomware and 7.6 trillion attempts at intrusion in digital environments were recorded. These numbers point to a 20% global growth in attack attempts over the previous year.
It is in this plot that the WAF becomes protagonist. Unlike solutions that just react, it anticipates . Its role is to monitor, filter and block malicious traffic before it becomes a real threat. Throughout this article, we will show how the WAF works, what types of attacks it neutralizes and why it has become an invisible but essential shield for any digital application.
Enjoy the read!
Understanding the WAF and its importance
The WAF (acronym for web application firewall ) did not appear by chance . It is a direct result of the transformation of the way we access and consume digital services. With the advancement of web , public APIs and microservices, the input points for a system are no longer centralized and predictable . Today, any form, search field or external integration can become an open door for invaders.
It was in the face of this new reality that the WAF emerged to complement firewalls , with a specific focus on the protection of the application layer.
An evolution of traditional firewalls , but specifically focused on the application layer, ie what actually interacts with the end user. While firewalls operate on the edge of the network, controlling packages and doors, WAF operates by analyzing the content and behavior of real -time web .
The importance of this protective layer grows as the attack surface expands . online service , API or integration with third parties is also a new risk vector . And these are not just large companies: e-commerce , internal systems and customer service portals are also exposed to attempts to injection of code, session theft or request manipulation.
In this context, the WAF went from optional to essential . It protects applications proactively , interpreting traffic intelligently and blocking suspicious behaviors even before the attack is consolidated. In a world where risks do not stop evolving, having an adaptable and discreet defense is more than a technical choice: it is a strategic decision to ensure continuity, confidence and competitiveness.
But after all, how does this protection happen in practice? Next, we will explore the main action mechanisms of the WAF and how it acts on the front line of digital security.
How does WAF act on the front line of security?
The internet is a dynamic territory, and often unpredictable. While your web is operating normally, it may be the target of automated polls, exploration attempts or even mass attacks. The function of WAF is precisely to intercept this traffic before any threat reaches the server, analyzing each request with intelligence and accuracy.
But how, exactly, does that happen? Next, we explained the main pillars of the operation of a modern WAF.
HTTP/HTTPS Traffic Filtering and Control
Everything that enters and goes out of a web goes through the HTTP or HTTPS protocols, and it is scripts , disguised commands and attempted manipulation may be hidden WAF acts as a filter between the user and the server, inspecting this traffic in real time.
It identifies abnormal access patterns such as sudden peaks of inconsistent requests or parameters, and prevents malicious loads from being performed. This includes, for example, blocking of suspicious IPS requests , with bot or simulating human navigation to circumvent protections.
This type of filtering is essential for applications that use open APIs, integrations with third parties or operate in cloud environments, where the attack surface is usually much broader.
Request analysis and attack blocking
WAF is able to interpret each request sent to the application and understand if there is malicious intention behind that interaction, even when everything seems legitimate at first glance .
This analysis involves checking parameters, validating structures, crossing patterns with well -known threat banks, and even identifying suspicious real -time behaviors. This allows you to block actions that would compromise the application logic, sensitive data or navigation flow.
Among the most frequent targets are attempts to inject commands, remote code execution or session sequestration. The good news is that a modern WAF can neutralize these attacks even before they reach the application layer .
Vs. subscription detection. behavior
The first WAFs were based exclusively on signatures, which were lists of known attack patterns. If a request coincided with one of these signatures, it was blocked . Although effective against already documented threats, this model does not follow the speed of new variations and custom attacks.
Therefore, the most modern WAFs combine this approach with behavioral analysis , which evaluates the context and frequency of requests. For example, a user (or bot ) accessing different routes in seconds, changing parameters repeatedly or simulating high precision human interactions can be detected as an anomaly, even without following an already registered standard .
In some more advanced solutions, this analysis is supported by Machine Learning , able to learn from legitimate application traffic and identify deviant behaviors. The result is a smarter protection , capable of responding to zero-day and unprecedented threats without depending on manual updates.
By uniting careful filtration, contextual analysis and behavioral intelligence, the WAF is consolidated as an active defense agent , not just a passive blocker.
In the next topic, we detail the most recurring threats faced by web , and how the WAF acts specifically in each of them.
Main neutralized threats with WAF
Cyberatques evolved. They are no longer great noisy events to become silent, persistent and highly directed actions . Many of these threats explore exactly what makes web so useful: their ability to receive user data, connect to external APIs, and respond in real time.
This is why WAF is more than a technical shield : it is a mediator between traffic and the logic of application. Based on patterns, context and behavior, it identifies and blocks a wide range of attacks, even the most sophisticated and disguised .
Here's the main types of threats a modern WAF can neutralize :
- Online fraud and malicious use of forms and login : Bots try to automate actions such as leaked password login An e-commerce , for example, may be the target of bots that try to apply coupons repeatedly or invade customer accounts. WAF detects this anomalous pattern and blocks behavior;
- SQL Injection (database injection) : The attacker inserts malicious SQL commands into application fields to access or change data directly. A classic example would be to type admin 'or' 1 '=' 1 login field to circumvent authentication. WAF blocks the request before it reaches the bank;
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) : It consists of injecting scripts into fields such as comments or forms, which when viewed by other users perform actions such as cookies or redirections. WAF identifies and blocks this type of malicious content;
- Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) : Here, the invader deceives the authenticated user to perform actions without realizing it, such as transfers or account changes. WAF detects the absence of tokens or the suspicious origin of the request and blocks it before execution;
- Bots and automations that aim to overload or explore the application : invaders use robots to scrap content, explore APIs or force access. A common target is ticket sites bots in seconds (usually operated by digital money chambers that resell overpriced tickets on other platforms), harming real customers and the company's reputation. WAF recognizes this automated pattern and prevents it with smart rules;
- Remote Code Execution (RCE ) and Upload of Malicious Files : The attacker sends files or hidden commands waiting for the application to run them, which can open a port for remote server control. WAF can validate extensions, block hidden commands and prevent improper executions.
These threats are no exceptions: they are silent and constant part of the daily traffic of any connected application. And they often go unnoticed until they have a real impact, such as data leakage, service interruptions, or loss of customer confidence.
Therefore, the waf becomes so indispensable . But not every waf works the same way. Let's understand the different types available and how can this choice directly impact the effectiveness of your protection?
What types of WAF are available?
Just as there is no single systems architecture, there is no unique WAF model either. The way it is implemented directly impacts its efficiency, flexibility and integration with the company's digital environment.
Today, WAFs are available in three main formats . Each responds to specific needs of infrastructure, technological maturity and response speed:
- WAF Network Based : This is the most traditional form of implementation. The WAF operates on the edge of the network, usually through appliances , inspecting the traffic that enters and leaves the servers. It is recommended for local environments ( on-premise ) that require full control over the infrastructure. On the other hand, it may require higher hardware and specialized staff;
- Host -based WAF : In this model, WAF runs on the same application server, offering contextual and more granular protection. He better understands the behavior of the application, which allows fine adjustments. However, it can consume computational resources of the protected system itself and demand more attention to updates and compatibility;
- Cloud-Based Waf : It is currently the most modern and scalable model, and the fastest growing among companies that operate with microservices, public APIs and multi-cloud . The cloud WAF acts as an additional layer between the user and the application, protecting different systems quickly and automatic updates. Its implementation is agile, does not require its own infrastructure and allows you to scale protection according to the volume of accesses.
Each model has its place, and the right choice depends on the company's level of digitization, the criticality of applications and the need for response to incidents. In many cases, the combination of hybrid models offers the ideal balance between control and agility.
Now, to follow our journey, we go beyond the technical layer : we will see how the WAF translates into real benefits for the business, regulatory compliance to reducing incident costs. Keep following!
Strategic benefits of adopting a waf
When it comes to digital security, many people only think about prevention. But a well -configured WAF goes further: it creates efficiency, ensures stability and supports business decisions with concrete data . It is not just about blocking attacks, but of maintaining the pace of the operation even in challenging environments, protecting brand reputation and reducing costs that do not always appear in spreadsheets.
Next, we explore the main gains that make WAF a strategic asset for those who take the digital transformation seriously:
Compliance and regulatory requirements
Faults for data protection failures are increasingly frequent. Since the General Personal Data Protection Law (LGPD) entered into force in Brazil, the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), the body responsible for supervising the law enforcement, has already applied penalties that exceed R $ 14 million to companies that did not adopt minimum security controls .
In this context, WAF is an important tool to meet legal and normative requirements . This is because it blocks unauthorized accesses, records logs and provides visibility on attack attempts, all of these, essential elements in compliance audits and certifications such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001 and governance frameworks
Stability and resilience of applications
marketing campaigns can multiply the traffic of your application in minutes. However, not all this volume comes from real users bots often try to take advantage of these peaks to explore vulnerabilities.
According to Akamai , over 40% of online are caused by automated and abusive traffic. By identifying and filtering this type of access before it overwhelms the application, WAF contributes to the stability of the operation, ensuring that the environment remains responsive even under pressure.
Traffic reduction and automated risks
Nowadays, bots represent more than half of Internet traffic and almost half of these accesses have malicious behavior , such as content scraping attempted leaked credentials, and fault exploration in APIs.
WAF identifies these standards and blocks them in real time. This means less unnecessary processing, less bandwidth and less silent risk application exposure. In addition, it relieves the infrastructure and allows resources to be directed to what really matters: the legitimate user .
Visibility and logs for investigation and response
Detection is just the beginning. In a security scenario, knowing exactly when, how and where an attack attempt came from and makes all the difference to an effective response.
The WAF records in detail each suspicious request, provides real -time alerts and allows retroactive incident analysis. This not only accelerates decision making, but also strengthens the process of learning and continuous improvement of security policies .
compliance reviews , this visibility becomes a differential , offering concrete evidence of the organization's digital maturity.
Lower cost with incidents and reputation protection
The impact of an attack goes far beyond the system . A publicly exposed failure affects the company's image, customer relationship and even market value.
According to the IBM , the average cost of a data leakage exceeded US $ 4.45 million by 2023 , and this number is tend to rise to companies that take time to detect and contain the incident.
WAF acts preventively, blocking the threat before it comes to fruition. And by protecting behind the scenes from digital operation, it also preserves the most valuable asset of any brand : trust.
Throughout this journey, we have seen how the WAF can be decisive to ensure safety, performance and confidence in web . But as important as the technology itself is the way it is part of each company's ecosystem.
Because it is not enough just to block threats: you need to do it intelligently, without stopping the business. It is at this stage that we at Skyone we entered, connecting technology, visibility and scale to turn the WAF into a strategic ally of digital continuity!
How skyone strengthens the safety of applications
Safety should not be perceived as a technical weight, but as an invisible foundation that supports digital growth . At Skyone , we take it seriously and turn this vision into practice.
Our application protection model starts with a managed WAF that goes beyond the simple rules configuration . He learns from application traffic, adapts to environmental behavior and responds to attempts to attack with the accuracy of those who understand what they are protecting. This means blocking threats without interrupting the user experience , which is mandatory for business that cannot stop.
We believe security needs to keep up with the complexity of the real world . Therefore, our solution is designed for hybrid environments, with exposed APIs, constant microservices and multiple integration points. And we deliver it all with simplicity, visibility and nearby accompaniment.
We don't offer just a tool, but a continuous protection model that evolves with your business, reducing risks, facilitating audits and, above all , ensuring that you can grow without fear.
Interested and want to know how to turn your safety into a competitive differential? Talk to a Skyone expert and see how to shield your application with intelligence, lightness and confidence!
Conclusion
The scenario of digital threats is more active and sophisticated than ever , but that does not mean that its application needs to live in permanent warning.
With a well -implemented WAF, you can create a silent and intelligent barrier against the most recurring attacks, from code injections to bots . More than filtering malicious traffic, it preserves what really matters : the stability of the operation, the data security and the confidence of its customers.
This layer of protection , which was once seen as a technical differential, is now essential for any connected application , especially nowadays, where risks are constant and threats evolve every day.
How about understanding the next step of this cybersecurity journey, with continuous monitoring, artificial intelligence and an agile response to incidents? Read our article “SOC & IA: As SIEM tools use artificial intelligence to protect companies” , and understand how Soc, IA and SIEM help to anticipate risks and protect your business 24/7.
FAQ: Frequently asked WAF questions
web applications protect is more important than ever. If you have questions about what a waf is, how it operates and where it fits your cybersecurity strategy, we respond here clearly and directly .
What does waf mean and what is its main function?
WAF is the acronym for Web Application Firewal l. It is a security layer designed specifically to protect web against malicious access, automated attacks and vulnerabilities exploration. It acts by analyzing HTTP/HTTPS traffic in real time, blocking suspicious requests before they reach the server or affect the logic of the application.
What types of WAF are available?
The main types of WAF are:
- Network -based WAF : installed close to infrastructure, offers high performance but requires more local management;
- Host -based WAF : Wheel with the application, allowing personalization, but with greater impact on resources;
- Cloud -based WAF : Managed by third parties, with scalability, automatic updates and easy implementation, ideal for modern environments.
Each model has specific advantages, and the choice depends on the scenario and digital maturity of each company.
Which security layer WAF operates?
WAF operates mainly in the application layer (layer 7 of the OSI model). This is the closest layer of the end user interaction, where access to forms, APIs and browsers occur. Therefore, it is also the most viewed by cybercriminals. By protecting this layer, the WAF prevents malicious commands and anomalous requests compromise the operation and safety of the application
