A web application firewall for startups is vital to keeping data safe. Even the smallest teams can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and lost email exchanges. Despite the heightened awareness of cybersecurity in the industry, many startup owners are unaware of the most common threats to their applications. In addition to breaching your emails, you may also be at risk of losing sensitive information relating to R&D, systems, or patent applications. To prevent data theft, you must install security software on your employees’ devices and enforce strict disciplinary action for any negligence.
Here are some of the aspects of WAF for startups:
- Budget-Oriented
When choosing a web application firewall, various factors should be taken into account. The first thing to keep in head is the budget. It is better to go for a larger enterprise solution if the target is large. Also, check the security model. There are different security models: three basic types: DMZ, PKI, and NAT. Each model will require different configurations and requirements.
- Scalable
While web application firewalls can provide basic protection for web applications, the best solution for a startup should include the ability to scale. This is because startups often need to deploy their technology quickly to stay competitive. While whitelist and blacklist WAF are effective options, each has its pros and cons. If your startup is on a budget, a cloud-based web application firewall can help you with the implementation. The cost of a web application firewall is relatively low compared to the benefits.
- Secure
Apart from the basic functionality, web application firewalls should be able to protect the startup from other potential threats. In the case of insider attacks, web application firewalls can be a good solution. In such cases, they can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information on the internal network. However, the most imperative aspect to remember is that there is no such thing as a “perfect web application firewall.”
- Flexible & Customized
Besides preventing potential security issues, web application firewalls should be able to understand API payloads and authenticated requests. This can be performed with the help of rate limits and whitelisting. These tools are a must-have for web applications. Furthermore, they should be flexible and customized. This feature makes web application firewalls a versatile tool. Although there are various aspects of web application firewall startups to keep in mind, there are certain aspects that every startup should consider.
Endnotes
While web application firewalls are critical for businesses, they can also be expensive for a startup. In the long run, a WAF will protect your site against many threats and prevent you from losing valuable data. The cost of installing WAF can add up quickly, and it’s not always practical for a small startup. It’s also worth considering into account how much time and money you have to spend on security. The costs of a web application firewall for a startup aren’t small, and a free trial will help you make the right choice.
