Today, online businesses leverage advanced technologies like websites and apps to achieve different goals. For example, from collaboration with employees to communication with customers and, much more. These websites and apps are interconnected using APIs.
However, these are prone to cyber attacks that might cause trouble to your business. That's where web application and API protection (WAAP) comes in. It guards your online stores against cyber threats that try to steal information or cause trouble. These threats come with sneaky tricks, from planting viruses to sending overwhelming amounts of traffic to crash the system. Expand your business with the advanced features of WAAP solutions.
What Is WAAP?
WAAP stands for Web Application and API Protection.
Web applications are the websites you use, like online banking or shopping.
APIs are like invisible pathways that connect different apps and websites, sharing information smoothly. Just like your store needs security, these online tools also need protection.
WAAP acts as a shield against:
Hackers trying to steal information: Think passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details.
Bad software (viruses and malware):
These can damage your device or steal information.
Robots and fake users:
These can overwhelm the system and crash it.
People trying to misuse the app in unintended ways, For example, accessing data they need not do. So, WAAP Solution is like an invisible security guard protecting your crucial data from any possible cyber threats.
In this blog, we'll break down WAAP in simple terms, and explain its importance.
Why Traditionally Used Protection Systems Are Not Sufficient?
We get access to web applications and APIS through the public domain providing access to delicate information, making them the primary target of cyber threats. Such types of cyber attacks are so strong that traditional solutions are not enough to protect their sensitive data. Therefore, it is necessary to use WAAP to secure the web applications and API.
In this section, we will discuss why traditional methods do not secure the API and web applications effectively.
Attackers keep changing their tricks:
In such a case Signature-based attack detection does not work. It is one of the traditional security methods for websites and apps. On the other hand, WAAP is smarter, constantly learning new tricks to stay ahead of attackers.
Not all traffic is created equal:
Firewall blocks the traffic based on port-based protocols that do not work in all cases. Firewalls treat them all the same, but not WAAP. WAAP is a powerful tool that inspects the traffic thoroughly to determine if any potential attacks spoil your sensitive data.
Traditional security methods can suspect the attacks through particular ports and protocols. Moreover, cybercriminals have become more powerful as they use the same ports and protocols to steal the sensitive information of businesses. Unlike traditional methods, WAAP is a great tool that deeply analyses the content of the information itself and uncovers the hidden threats.
A Necessary Evil
Encryption is both a blessing and a curse. Most internet users rely on the TLS protocol to encrypt the connection between their browser and a web server, creating an encrypted link that protects data as they exchange it. But this approach is ill-suited to sniffing out malware and other fishy content. A type of virus that can copy itself and expose your personal information or destroy your files. WAAP can detect such coquettish threats and save your data and personal well-being. So fret not.
What Benefits Will Businesses See From WAAP-As-A-Service?
It’s pretty straightforward. Here’s what businesses will need to think about in considering WAAP-as-a-service:
Grow fearlessly:
WAAP-as-a-service adjusts along with your enterprise as you move from on-premises to the cloud to both. Don’t be afraid to expand your enterprise, knowing full well that you’re going to be safeguarded against threats like hackers and data breaches. As the result of a data breach, hacking activity can result in identity theft, financial loss or damage to your reputation. They can experiment as well, as it works in several settings. Namely, cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments.
Robust Security:
Utilize industry-leading safety features to avoid hackers and data thieves. It also protects your business’s most important secrets. Even so, it is less likely by the day that hackers could even try to breach your data. Cyber-attacks could be on a downward spiral, and they can decrease once and for all the likelihood that data could be misused in any way. The technology is simply that cutting edge.
Cost Savings:
You can customise the security solutions to fit any company’s budget and save you money daily. As a result, they can cease breaches that result from an invasion by malware or any other sneaky virus.
What are important things to consider before choosing a WAAP solution?
Things to consider while choosing WAAP solutions, are;
Technology:
Technology is one of the most recommended factors when you are looking for a secure way to protect Web Applications and APIs. Always consider the high technology that perfectly integrates with the existing systems.
Performance:
If your system requires high speed and low latency, you must look for a WAAP solution. A purpose-built hardware may be an ideal solution for enhanced scalability. It is so because if the problem remains growing, might affect business growth.
Support:
You must consider various factors like service quality, Features, and system compatibility while looking for Web Application and API Protection solutions for your organisations.
Cost:
Cost is always an essential factor that helps find an effective solution within your budget. The net cost of a WAAP solution includes the cost of licensing, upgrades, and maintenance.
Peace of mind:
Choose a WAAP solution that prevents you from security worries and allows you to focus on your business. It means they can manage their most important tasks without worrying. A perfect WAAP solution keeps companies’ data encrypted and safe, even in case of a breach.
Remember, WAAP-as-a-service can help you grow your business securely and save money. Choose wisely based on your needs and enjoy the peace of mind!
What are the key features of a WAAP solution?
Key Features of a WAAP Solution:
WAAP solutions offer a comprehensive suite of features to protect web applications and APIs from various threats. Here are some of the key functionalities to look for:
Web Application Firewall (WAF):
It helps businesses identify malicious to block them. Such cyber attacks include traffic targeting web applications, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting attacks.
DDoS Protection: It protects users against malicious traffic while allowing legitimate traffic to enter smoothly
Bot Management:
It tracks web traffic to deal with different types of visitors. There are good bots and bad bots. Good bots index your website for better visibility and higher ranking on search engines. On the other hand, there are bad robots, known as malicious robots. They come with bad intentions to steal your data, scrap valuable content, or launch fake attacks.
API Security:
It guards APIs against data manipulation, unauthorized access, etc.
Content Security Policy (CSP):
It identifies the resources of the website including images, fonts, and scripts to protect against content-injection attacks.
Rate Limiting:
Prevents DDoS and other attacks, attacking through overloading servers; it means that the number of requests from a single source within a certain time window is controlled.
Security Insights and Reporting:
Allows the generation of comprehensive reports on vulnerabilities, detected threats and attacks as well as your security posture helping you make better decisions regarding ongoing implementation strategy.
What are the drawbacks of WAAP solutions?
Here are some potential drawbacks of WAAP solutions to consider:
1. False Positives: The false positives may interfere with the legitimate users and You might need to monitor them constantly and adjust often.
2. Complexity: The process of configuring and maintaining all the features may seem like a complexity. Such a complexity may need more skills or funds.
3. Integration Challenges: It is much like putting together ill-fitting pieces of the tool. Make sure that there is compatibility and seamless data flow to eliminate security loopholes.
4. Vendor Lock-in: Changing WAAP providers is hard in mid-battle. Pay attention to vendor lock-in clauses and data portability features.
5. Cost: Elite protection is expensive. Although some features are simple, more advanced functionalities may accumulate affecting smaller budgets. Consider your needs properly for the right balance.
6. Limited Visibility: Some WAAP solutions may lack in-depth analysis of attacks or vulnerabilities within your application. This restricted sight can make it more challenging to recognize and deal with internal security flaws.
7. Potential Performance Impact: WAAP configurations that are highly complicated can make your website or application slow. Security and performance have to be balanced, but this is especially relevant for high-traffic applications.
However, keep in mind that WAAP solutions are useful instruments; understanding their boundaries allows you to make informed choices. Thoroughly assess your requirements, consider the limitations against advantages and select a solution that matches the most appropriate fit for your unique security environment.
Remember the priority of features for a WAAP solution will vary depending on each organization's specific needs and threat landscape. Spreading feature focus across multiple solutions may be necessary instead of relying solely on one. Therefore, you must compare available solutions and analyze your individual needs before making a decision.
In short, a WAAP solution is an effective tool against cyber attacks on your web applications and APIs that have been developed to counteract existing security tools. Remember, the cyber security world is changing and vigilance should be a constant in your mind. Your online store can thrive with robust WAAP solutions as it will be protected from various cyber threats.
For your business, exploring advanced Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) solutions is essential try reaching out to Cubix Tech, who specializes in cutting-edge security technologies that safeguard web applications and APIs from a wide range of cyber threats. Whether you’re running an e-commerce platform, a banking portal, or any other web-based service, their expertise can help fortify your digital presence.
Feel free to connect with Cubix Tech to learn more about how WAAP can enhance your security posture and protect your crucial data.