WAF Logging and Analysis: A Critical Tool for Improving Web Application Security
Web application firewalls (WAFs) are an important tool for protecting web applications from attacks. However, WAFs are only effective when they are properly configured and maintained. This is where WAF logging and analysis come into play.
Current State - Against Automated Attacks & Cost of Breaches
-
About 80% of web application attacks are automated. This means that attackers use tools and scripts to find vulnerabilities and launch attacks.
-
The average time to detect a data breach is 206 days. This means that attackers have a long time to exploit vulnerabilities before they are detected.
-
The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. This includes lost revenue, customer churn, and deterrence costs.
-
Only 30% of organizations have implemented WAF logging and analytics. This means that most organizations do not implement this important security tool.
Unleashing the Potential of WAF Logging and Analytics
The report by Ponemon found that organizations using WAF logging and analytics experience 50% fewer web application attacks. Another report found that organizations that fail to leverage WAF logging and analytics are 10 times more likely to experience data breaches. Many organizations are unaware of the importance of analyzing WAF logs. Some organizations are reluctant to use WAF logging and analytics due to cost and complexity.
Why are WAF Logging and Analysis important?
WAF logging and analysis can provide organizations with valuable insights into the threats their web applications face. By analyzing WAF logs, organizations can identify potential threats, such as malicious IP addresses or unusual traffic patterns. This information can then be used to improve the WAF process and prevent attacks.
For example, by analyzing WAF logs, organizations can identify suspicious IP addresses trying to access their web applications. These IP addresses can then be blocked to prevent further attacks. Organizations can also use WAF logs to track other attack schemes that have been deployed against their web applications. They can use this information to improve WAF design and make their web applications more secure.
How to Conduct WAF Logging and Analysis
There are various methods for WAF logging and analysis. The best approach will vary depending on the specific needs of the organization. But there are some common methods:
-
Using the built-in logging capabilities of the WAF: Most WAFs have built-in logging capabilities that can be used to collect information about blocked or allowed traffic.
-
Using Third-Party WAF Log Management Tools: There are a number of WAF log management tools that can provide organizations with advanced logging and analysis capabilities.
-
Integrate WAF logging with a SIEM or SOAR solution: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions can be used to collect and analyze WAF logging from multiple sources.
What Organizations Can Do?
Organizations can improve their cybersecurity posture by implementing WAF logging and analysis. Here are some tips for organizations that are new to WAF logging and analysis:
-
Start by understanding the basics of WAF logging and analysis.
There are a number of resources available online and in books that can help you learn about WAF logging and analysis. -
Choose Prophaze WAF that has built-in logging capabilities or integrate your WAF with a third-party log management tool.
This will make it easier to collect and analyze WAF logs. -
Set up regular Prophaze WAF log reviews to identify potential threats
This will help you identify and mitigate threats early. -
Use Prophaze WAF log data to improve your WAF configuration
This will help you make your web applications more secure.
Prophaze Functionality in WAF Logging and Analysis
-
Prophaze strengthens the WAF to better resist automated web attacks.
-
Reducing the risk of a data breach is essential to protecting sensitive information.
-
Profage simplifies log analysis, making it essential in organizations.
-
Prophaze offers an affordable solution, simplifying WAF logging and analysis.
-
With Prophaze, your WAF responds quickly to incoming threats.
-
Modify security settings to suit special needs applications and requirements with Prophaze.
In today’s landscape, building a WAF for logging and analysis is a critical tool for improving web application security. By understanding the importance of WAF logging and analysis and implementing these tools with Prophaze WAF, organizations can improve their cybersecurity posture and protect their web applications from attack.
