What is the function of a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?

What is the function of a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?

• A. To prevent all types of network traffic
• B. To filter HTTP/S traffic and protect web and API endpoints
• C. To monitor hardware performance in real-time
• D. To store backups of web applications

Answer: (B)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is specifically designed to filter and monitor HTTP/S traffic to and from web applications and APIs. Its primary function is to provide security by protecting these endpoints from various types of attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other application layer vulnerabilities.

By analyzing the traffic before it reaches the web application, a WAF can block malicious requests and allow legitimate traffic through. This capability is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the availability and integrity of web services.

Other options do not accurately represent the function of a WAF. For instance, preventing all types of network traffic would be too broad and not specific to web application security. Monitoring hardware performance pertains to systems management rather than web application security, and storing backups of web applications is more aligned with data recovery solutions than the function of a WAF.