WAF (Web Application Firewall)

A WAF (Web Application Firewall) inspects HTTP and HTTPS traffic to enforce rules in front of a web application or API. It can block known attack patterns, rate-limit requests and add visibility, but it does not repair vulnerable code or understand every business workflow. Placement, TLS handling, origin access and trusted proxy headers determine what the WAF can see and protect. Generic managed rules need tuning because aggressive settings may reject legitimate users while permissive exceptions create gaps. APIs, uploads, authenticated areas and automated clients often require separate policies. Logs should reach the response process without retaining unnecessary sensitive data. Validation combines safe test cases, application monitoring and review of bypass paths. A clean WAF dashboard does not prove the application is secure or even that all production traffic passes through it.