In today’s digital age, businesses face a wide range of online threats. To stay protected, it is important to understand how different security tools work, especially firewalls. Although both a traditional firewall and a Web Application Firewall (WAF) are used to block harmful traffic, they have different roles and operate at separate layers within a network.
A standard firewall filters traffic between internal systems and the wider internet, usually working at the network or transport layer. A WAF, on the other hand, protects web applications specifically. It operates at the application layer and is designed to block threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
Businesses make better decisions about which tools they need when they understand the key differences between a firewall and a WAF. In this article, we will explain how each one works, what makes them different, and when it is best to use one or both.
What Is A Firewall?
A firewall is a security tool used to protect networks. It checks all incoming and outgoing traffic and decides whether to allow, block, or drop it based on a set of rules. In simple terms, a firewall filters network traffic to keep unwanted connections out and protect sensitive information. It acts as a barrier between your private internal network and the public internet. Most firewalls work mainly at the network layer, focusing on IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
4 Types of Firewalls
There are four main types of firewalls. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
- Packet Filtering Firewall
This type checks data packets using basic rules such as source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols. It works quickly but may not stop more advanced threats. - Stateful Inspection Firewall
Tracks the status of ongoing network sessions and applies rules based on traffic history. It offers stronger protection than packet filtering firewalls. - Proxy Firewall
Works as a middleman between users and the internet. It inspects requests before passing them on, adding an extra layer of security. - Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Combines traditional firewall functions with extra features like intrusion prevention, malware scanning, and deep packet inspection for stronger defence.
What is a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a type of firewall that protects web applications by monitoring and filtering HTTP traffic. It works at the application layer and uses a set of rules to spot and block common web attacks such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection. These rules help stop harmful requests before they reach the application, adding a strong layer of protection against hackers.
4 Types of WAFs
Here are the four common types of WAFs.
- Network-Based WAF
Installed as a physical device within the network, this type analyses traffic in real time and offers fast protection. - Host-Based WAF
Placed directly on the web server, it allows deep inspection and custom security rules. However, it uses more system resources. - Container-Based WAF
Runs in containers alongside cloud-native apps. It provides real-time protection with minimal impact on performance. It’s a good fit for DevOps and Kubernetes setups. - Cloud-Based WAF
Delivered through the cloud as a service, this option doesn’t require hardware. It’s easy to scale and benefits from automatic updates and global threat insights.
Web Application Firewall WAF vs. Firewall
Let’s discover the main differences between a WAF and a firewall.
1. Application Traffic vs Network Traffic
WAFs focus on protecting application-level traffic, while firewalls focus on protecting and monitoring overall network traffic.
2. Position in the System
A WAF sits in front of applications and servers to block attacks aimed at those systems, while a firewall is deployed at the edge of a network, acting as a barrier between trusted and unknown networks.
3. Protection Focus
WAFs protect HTTP and HTTPS applications and servers from web threats, while firewalls allow or block access to networks to prevent unauthorized entry.
4. OSI Layer Difference
A WAF works at Layer 7 (Application Layer), closest to the user, while a firewall works at Layers 3 (Network Layer) and 4 (Transport Layer).
5. Access Control
WAFs do not focus on user access control, while firewalls are built to enforce access control as one of their main functions.
6. Algorithms Used
WAFs use anomaly detection, heuristic analysis, and signature-based algorithms, while firewalls often use predefined rules and packet-filtering algorithms.
How to Decide Between WAF and Firewall?
Deciding whether to use a WAF, a firewall, or both depends on your business's specific needs and security goals. As mentioned earlier, a traditional firewall is effective at protecting your network from general external threats. It filters traffic at the network level but does not detect or block web-based attacks that target application weaknesses.
A Web Application Firewall, on the other hand, is designed to protect websites and web applications from attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other threats that target the application layer.
For most businesses, especially those with online platforms or customer-facing websites, using both tools together is the best approach. A firewall handles network-level threats, while a WAF protects the application layer. This combined setup provides layered security, helping to cover more ground and reduce the risk of cyberattacks slipping through.
Conclusion!
Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) play different but equally important roles in securing your systems. Firewalls help guard your network, while WAFs protect your websites and online applications from targeted attacks. Relying on just one may leave gaps in your defences. For complete and layered protection, many businesses choose to use both.
If you're unsure which one your business needs or how to set it up, IT Support 4u is ready to assist. Reach out today to get expert help in choosing and implementing the right solution for your digital security.
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