AWS WAF
AWS WAF is a web application firewall that monitors HTTP(S) requests to CloudFront, ALB, API Gateway, and AppSync with customizable security rules.
What is WAF? (Simple Explanation)
Think of WAF like a metal detector at an airport. It checks every incoming request for weapons (SQL injection, XSS attacks) and blocks malicious ones before they reach your application.
When Would You Use This?
- SQL injection & XSS protection
- Bot control & rate limiting
- IP reputation-based blocking
- Geo-restriction and IP allow/deny lists
Who Uses WAF?
From startups to enterprises, WAF powers:
What Makes WAF Powerful
Services That Work with WAF
WAF is rarely used alone. It's typically combined with:
Compliance & Security
How AWS WAF fits into major compliance standards:
WAF configuration is audited by CIS Benchmarks 1.5–3.0 for secure cloud defaults.
WAF access controls, encryption, and audit logging map to NIST 800-53 AC, SC, and AU control families.
WAF encryption, access control, and logging support PCI DSS for cardholder data environments.
WAF security, availability, and confidentiality controls evaluated under SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.
WAF configuration and monitoring controls map to ISO 27001 Annex A information security management.
Ready to secure your WAF configuration?
Pavora continuously monitors your AWS WAF for misconfigurations, compliance violations, and security risks.