WAF and Cloud WAF: Website Security trends in 2023

WAF (Web Application Firewall). This is a network security service that prevents attacks on web applications from the internet.

WAF is a useful tool for businesses and other organizations with websites that operate on the internet because it can help prevent hacker attacks and help protect users' personal information. WAF can also help protect the availability and security of a website, and help prevent common attacks such as SQL injection (a code injection technique used in attacking data-containing applications), XSS (cross-site scripting, an attack technique by inserting malicious code), and DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service/ Denial of Service attack).

The WAF can be installed on a local server or be a service provided by a network security service provider and can be called a Cloud WAF if it is offered as an electrical service. cloud computing.

There are many reasons why users and especially businesses need to use WAF to protect their web applications. Here are some benefits of using WAF:

- (1) Protection from internet attacks: WAF can help prevent hacker attacks and help protect your website from common attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

- (2) Protect user's personal information: WAF can help protect user's personal information from hackers and prevent data attack attacks.

- (3) Protecting website availability and security: WAF can help protect the availability and security of a website by preventing attacks on the site and helping to secure and protect user data.

- (4) Helps ensure the independence and security of web applications: WAF can help ensure that web applications are not hacked or exploited by third parties, helping to ensure the independence and security of the applications.

- (5) Compliance with security standards: WAF can help you comply with security standards and legal requirements, such as the Payment Card Data Security Standards Industry Data Security Standard/ PCI DSS).

- (6) Improve website performance: WAF can help improve website performance by blocking attack traffic and allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.

- (7) Customization and extensibility: WAF can be customized to fit your site's specific security needs and is scalable as your site grows.

- (8) Enterprise cost savings: WAF helps businesses save costs by preventing attacks from untrusted sources, helping to reduce the need for maintenance and repair website.

WAF works by analyzing HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests to a web page and comparing them with pre-configured security rules.

Security rules can include rules defined in forms or rules automated using machine learning algorithms. If a request does not conform to these rules, WAF will block the request and not allow it to reach the site.

WAF works through a set of rules commonly known as policies. These policies are created to protect against application vulnerabilities by filtering malicious traffic. WAF works based on 3 models:

- (1) Negative security model: WAF works based on a Blocklist which protects against known attacks. To make it easy to imagine, the Blocklist-based WAF is like a formal conference security guard instructed to refuse guests who do not meet the dress code.

- (2) Positive security model: WAF is based on an Allowlist that only accepts pre-approved traffic. The Allowlist-based WAF is like a security guard of a formal conference allowing only those on the available guest list to enter.

- (3) Hybrid security model: Both Blocklists and Allowlist have their advantages and disadvantages, which is why many WAFs offer a security model that cryptographically combines implementations of both. The hybrid security model uses elements of both blocklisting and allowlisting.

Regardless of the security model WAF uses, it ultimately works to analyze HTTP interactions, helping to reduce or eliminate malicious traffic before it reaches the server for processing. Policies can be quickly and easily modified, which makes WAF more responsive to different types of attacks.

Basically, WAF is based on the setup and operating platform environment which is classified into 3 main categories:

4.1 Network-Based WAF

Network-Based WAF is a type of web application firewall built hardware-based. The intended use of this type of WAF is usually to minimize latency because they are installed locally. That is, they will be installed near the application server for easy access. Therefore, when in use requires regular storage and maintenance of physical devices.

4.2. Host-Based WAF

Host-Based WAF is a type of web application firewall that can be fully integrated into the application software. This solution is less expensive than Network-Based WAF and offers greater customization capabilities. However, this type requires running on local servers, requires on-site maintenance, is quite complicated to deploy, and causes quite a lot of cost.

4.3. Cloud-Based WAF

Cloud-Based WAF is a type of web application firewall integrated into the cloud computing platform. This is a type of WAF that users do not need to install on their server but instead use a service provided by a service provider. Cloud WAF can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is generally more highly scalable and customizable than the traditional WAF firewall. The solution offers customizable features and is easy to deploy. In addition, Cloud WAF also helps to continuously update to combat the latest threats without the user needing to do anything extra.

Therefore, instead of using traditional WAF forms such as Network-based or Host-based, businesses are increasingly applying Cloud WAF in business and operations.

In 2023, some of the prominent issues related to Cloud WAF and related enterprise security issues may include:

- (1) Growth of DDoS attacks: complex attacks like DDoS, will continue to grow in 2023 and can be a challenge for enterprise security. Cloud WAF can help prevent these attacks using security rules and anti-DDoS attack features.

- (2) Growth of Software Attacks: In 2023, software attacks, such as spyware and exploit attacks, may continue growing. Cloud WAF can help prevent these attacks by inspecting incoming packets and blocking invalid packets.

- (3) Growth of exploit attacks: In 2023, exploit attacks are likely to continue to grow. To prevent these attacks, Cloud WAF can use security rules and anti-exploit features to inspect incoming packets and block invalid packets.

- (4) Uncertainty about using cloud security solutions: Some people may have uncertainties about using cloud security solutions. However, Cloud WAF can provide an advantage of high-security capabilities and integration with other security services, so consider using Cloud WAF for your security system.

Most businesses increasingly trust Cloud WAF because it possesses a number of outstanding benefits compared to other WAF solutions as follows:

- (1) Offered as a Service: Cloud WAF is provided as a service, so there is no need to purchase and operate a separate firewall server. This helps to save costs and increase efficiency for businesses.

- (2) Flexibility and customization: Cloud WAF can be configured to fit the needs of the business, and can be integrated with different security services.

- (3) Highly secure: Cloud WAF is regularly updated with the latest security rules and is managed by the service provider, so it is more secure compared to other WAF solutions.

- (4) Capable of increasing performance and flexibility: Cloud WAF provides an enhanced layer of security for Web security systems and is resistant to illegal attacks, helping to increase website performance.

- (5) Cost savings: Since there is no need to buy and operate a separate firewall server, Cloud WAF helps save costs for businesses. In addition, Cloud WAF also offers flexible payment options, allowing businesses to pay only when there is actual use.

- (6) Comprehensive security capabilities: Cloud WAF can integrate with other security services, such as remote security and visibility services, to provide a secure solution. more comprehensive confidentiality.

- (7) Easily Scalable: Cloud WAF is scalable according to the needs of the business and can be configured to fit the needs of the business, helping businesses increase performance and more flexible.

Cloud WAF has the ability to integrate with many security services, some of which are as follows:

- SSL/TLS encryption: Cloud WAF can integrate with SSL encryption services/ TLS to secure data exchange between the Web system and the user.

- Multi CDN (Multi Content delivery networks): When integrated with Cloud WAF, Multi CDN can help distribute content to intermediate servers in different locations around the world while protecting them from attacks from the Internet. Thereby, the system will provide better content to users and secure the Web system.

- AI Load Balancing: When integrated with Cloud WAF, AI load balancing can help distribute traffic to different Web servers or security systems, and protect them from attacks from the Internet. This can help increase attack resistance and reduce the risk of being hacked, helping your business maintain a more effective Web security system.

There are many Cloud WAF providers in the market. In particular, some prominent providers that are trusted by many users include:

5.1. VNIS Cloud WAF

VNIS (VNETWORK Internet Security) is an integrated Cloud WAF platform for comprehensive Web/App/API security. VNIS Cloud WAF with complex CRS (core rule set) management to protect the website from the attacks application layer. The system is always up-to-date and highly scalable to prevent the latest security holes from harming your website.

• Prevent application layer attacks, vulnerability attacks OWASP
• Once the domain name is added to the VNIS platform, your website is immediately protected against application layer attacks targeting vulnerabilities such as injection, SQL injection, and XSS, DDoS,...
• Basic The ever-expanding data helps identify new vulnerabilities and security threats.
• Overall analysis and identification of each element of the attack. Identify the source, attack pattern, and traffic from the dashboard. By providing attack details, you can make appropriate changes to your rule set to keep your site secure.
• In addition, besides Cloud WAF, VNIS platform also owns other outstanding features such as Multi CDN, AI Load Balancing, CDN Powers Up,... all integrated into a single platform. Besides, the system SOC 24/7 supports quick reporting, helping VNIS protect corporate websites most efficiently and comprehensively.

5.2. AWS WAF

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a Cloud WAF service that is integrated with Amazon's web application hosting platform, Amazon CloudFront. AWS WAF provides protection against many threats, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

5.3. Cloudflare WAF

Cloudflare WAF is a cloud security system provided by Cloudflare, a company providing network security services. Cloudflare WAF provides a wide range of security features to protect websites and applications from attacks and vulnerabilities.

Cloudflare WAF can be customized to prevent different types of attacks, including DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and others. Cloudflare WAF also provides default security rules and can be further customized using forms or machine learning algorithms.

5.4. Akamai WAF Akamai is a provider of Cloud WAF and other security services. Akamai WAF protects against many threats, including SQL injection, XSS, and DDoS attacks.

Not only stopping at using a Cloud WAF in a certain area, but the development of Multi Cloud WAF is also the goal that Cloud service providers have been aiming for. Multi Cloud WAF is a centralized Web security system with many Cloud WAFs scattered across many countries and regions. Deploying Multi Cloud WAF will help quickly isolate the source of the attack on the enterprise's Website system.

Currently, VNETWORK is one of the pioneers in deploying Multi Cloud WAF in Vietnam and the world. Specifically, the VNIS platform integrated with Multi Cloud WAF helps to protect your website effectively and comprehensively. Some large enterprises can be mentioned such as HSC securities , Momo, Vieon, VPS securities, Purpose Media, Galaxy Cinema, Ban Viet Securities, VNDirect, People's Army newspaper, ...

In the coming years, the integration of Cloud WAF or Multi Cloud WAF into an enterprise's website security system is forecasted to become more popular than ever. Cloud WAF helps increase the ability to protect your website from attacks stronger and more effectively than other security methods. Therefore, choosing a WAF service provider in general and Cloud WAF in particular with quality and suitable for the needs of the business is a matter of concern and consideration.

You can register to try VNIS Cloud WAF and many other features in a single platform by leaving your contact information in the form below or by calling the hotline: (028) 7306 8789, our experts will support you.