Add extra security with a web application firewall (WAF) and defend yourself from attackers.
Even when you understand security, it is difficult to create secure applications, especially when working under the pressure so common in today’s enterprises. A WAF protects applications against sophisticated Layer 7 attacks that might otherwise lead to loss of sensitive data, systems being hijacked by attackers, and downtime.
The security lifecycle includes four stages: secure, monitor, test, and improve. Before any device is connected to your network, make sure that you have documented the network infrastructure and hardened the device or the box it runs on. Always take time to apply patches and configure the device for increased security. Carefully test the WAF prior to deployment to expose any system integration issues it might cause. From there, it is easy to deploy.
A reverse proxy server is a type of proxy server that typically sits behind the firewall in a private network and directs client requests to the appropriate backend server. While proxies generally protect clients, WAFs protect servers, and are deployed to protect a specific web application. Therefore, a WAF can be considered a reverse proxy. WAFs may come in the form of an appliance, server plug‑in, or filter, and may be customized to an application.