Windows Firewall Explained: How to Safeguard Your System Like a Pro

What Is A Web Application Firewall (WAF)?

Generally speaking, network firewalls are meant when someone uses the term “firewall.” These security tools automatically track network traffic and, in accordance with pre-established security rules, decide whether to permit or prohibit visits to and from specific websites and sources.

This type of firewall acts as a barrier between untrusted networks, such as unidentified websites that hackers might use to access your systems and steal data, and trusted networks, such as websites that a cybersecurity team has already examined.

One kind of firewall that is specifically designed to function with web applications is called a web application firewall (WAF).

What exactly does that mean? Let’s explore further.

How Web Applications Are Protected by WAF Technology

In order to identify and stop malicious actors before they reach your web application, WAFs “watch” bi-directional web-based (HTTP/HTTPS) traffic that moves between web applications and the internet. WAFs accomplish this by filtering, keeping an eye on, and thwarting malicious traffic and application layer attacks.

The following are the primary techniques that WAFs use to sift through requests and weed out the worst ones before they reach the web server:

• Blocklist WAFs: This method blocks specific kinds of traffic rather than specific sources.
• Allowlist WAFs:By default, this blocks all traffic and only permits authorized traffic to proceed. This may be a more secure method, but it may also impede unexpected but entirely legitimate traffic.
• Hybrid WAFs: This WAF model does just what it sounds like: it simultaneously incorporates aspects of allowlisting and blocklisting.

Cross-site scripting (XSS), file inclusion, DDoS attacks, SQL injections, cookie manipulation, Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks, and other types of attacks are all mitigated by WAFs.

Apps can be secured against the Open Web Application Security Project’s list of security risks, also referred to as the OWASP Top 10, with the aid of a reliable, contemporary WAF.

WAFs Vs. Next-Generation Firewalls

A kind of firewall that combines WAF features with those of conventional network firewalls is called a next-generation firewall (NGFW).

It manages traffic on private networks and keeps an eye on incoming network requests to accomplish this.

Although there are functional similarities between WAFs and NGFWs, their primary duties and skills are different.

WAFs are entirely focused on thwarting online attacks to safeguard cloud-native and internet-facing applications.

Firewalls of the next generation go a step further. Sure, they have anti-virus and anti-malware features, but they can also enforce security policies based on user consent and collect data to help with decision-making regarding potential threats.

The 3 Types Of Web Application Firewalls

Generally, there are three primary types of web application firewalls:

1. Hardware-Based Web Application Firewall

The physical hardware appliance used to implement this kind of application firewall is placed inside the local area network (LAN) close to your web and application servers.

Advantages: Because it is physically close to the server, it can track and filter data packets with the least amount of latency, giving it quick speed and performance.

Disadvantages: Owning and maintaining a physical WAF can be expensive because it requires physical space, just like most real estate these days. Acquisition, installation, storage, and maintenance costs are all included.

Best for: Hardware Large organizations with substantial budgets and high traffic levels find success with WAF solutions. Big businesses can afford the related expenses and require effective speed and performance.

2. Software-Based Web App Firewall

Instead of being installed on a physical appliance, software-based WAFs are installed on a virtual machine (VM). After that, the real functionality is comparable to WAFs that are hardware-based. It’s crucial to keep in mind that in order to use this solution, users must run and maintain the virtual machine.

Advantages: It is adaptable. It can be used in the cloud by connecting to servers hosted there as well as on-premises. In addition, it costs less than WAFs that are hardware-based.

Disadvantages: Virtual machine operating systems inherently have higher latency, which reduces the overall speed of software WAF.

Best for: Software WAFs work well for businesses that use servers hosted in the cloud. They’re also excellent for small to medium-sized companies that don’t require a lot of traffic but still require affordable web application protection.

3. Cloud-Based WAF Deployment

The newest version of WAFs are supplied and managed by SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies. There are no installations necessary because all of the components are in the cloud.

Advantages: For end users, cloud-based WAFs are very easy to use. All they have to do is pay for a subscription plan; the provider of the service takes care of all future maintenance.

Disadvantages: Users have few options for customization because WAF technology is managed by the service provider.

Best for: For small and medium-sized businesses that lack the space for physical storage, the funds, or the personnel to handle manual maintenance, we suggest WAF via cloud.

Why Use A Web App Firewall?

In the age of the internet, WAFs—or any type of application-focused firewall—are essential.

Before cloud computing, a lot of network firewalls separated internal and external networks.

That setup is just not going to work post-cloud. These days, modern apps don’t run on private, closed networks. Rather, in order for their APIs and other integrations to function, they must regularly connect to the internet.

In order to solve this problem, WAFs filter network traffic while facilitating quick and simple application connections to the internet.

The screen that they offer is essential. Web applications were the most popular route taken by hackers in 2023 to start data breaches, according to the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report.

Although WAFs can’t fix the underlying vulnerabilities or flaws in web application security, they can stop malicious code and prevent the loss of your sensitive data by blocking probes, blocking multiple attack vectors, and rate-limiting requests.

Take Application Security To Another Level With This ASP.NET Hosting Provider

The good news is that secure web hosting doesn’t have to be expensive, especially for new website owners. It’s also not just for elite businesses with access to a ton of technical resources and highly popular websites.

Even the most affordable shared hosting plans come with a ton of free standard security tools.

When using shared ASP.NET Core hosting at its most basic, website security costs can be incredibly low because beginners are capable of updating their content management systems and plugins and creating strong passwords on their own.

The top hosts, including those in the following list, offer security tools like free SSL certificates, automated backups, antivirus or malware scanning, and DDoS protection. These shared servers are used by hundreds of customers, so the providers take great care to protect your information.

1. ASPHostPortal – Most Secure ASP.NET Core Hosting

With starting prices that are so low that almost anyone can afford to create their first website and (hopefully) start making money off of it, if that is the goal, ASPHostPortal is currently WindowsWebHostingReview’s top-rated low-cost ASP.NET Core hosting provider. It also offers good support, is beginner-friendly, and offers some of the best server performance in shared hosting.

The world’s most user-friendly features and affordable starting prices, however, cannot deter a hacker. Thankfully, ASPHostPortal has outfitted its servers with a variety of powerful security tools, which are listed below.

Features

• A custom-built firewall. Recall how I said that tailored security solutions were beneficial? ASPHostPortal concurs and has an internal firewall of its own. I just adore that.
• Imunify360 security suites. These are reputable third-party security solutions that, when used together, offer protection from viruses and malware, web application firewalls, and Webshield software, which automatically detects online attackers (bonus points!).
• Advanced security modules for ASP.NET. Many websites are powered by the programming language ASP.NET. ASPHostPortal planned ahead for this.
• Free SSL certificates. You should use SSL even if you don’t need to encrypt the form data submitted by site visitors; otherwise, browsers like Chrome and Firefox may mark your website as insecure. Fortunately, ASPHostPortal offers SSL certificates that are cost-free. Exactly as it should.

2. HostForLIFE.eu – Best Security for Your ASP.NET Core Website

HostForLIFE.eu is more expensive than ASPHostPortal, but it makes up for this by being easier to use overall, having more sophisticated security features, and having incredibly reliable servers. Additionally, it has one of the best support teams in the industry ready to assist you whenever you need them.

Overall, HostForLIFE.eu is the best choice for anyone who only wants to make minor design and content changes to their ASP.NET website. Take your pick of beverage, and let the professionals handle the rest.

Features

• Web application firewall and antivirus software. Yes, HostForLIFE.eu includes a fancy firewall in addition to the usual but essential antivirus security. The firewall from HostForLIFE.eu will have you covered if you want to create the next big web application (we’ll call it “Uber for Facebook”), along with a side of DDoS defense.
• Managed hosting and real-time monitoring. For ASP.NET Core hosting plans are available. This means that a team of professionals will handle all aspects of your ASP.NET hosting, such as security and software updates. Additionally, HostForLIFE.eu boasts sophisticated website monitoring capabilities to find issues as soon as they may appear.
• This hosting is PCI DSS compliant. This indicates that Nexcess is officially deemed secure enough to accept online credit card payments through their servers, without getting into the incredibly intricate details. It has been mandated by those in charge of that sort of thing.
• Free SSL certificates. You’re covered in this area by HostFoLIFE.eu. The dreaded “unlocked padlock” icon that appears in the browser’s address bar when accessing an unsecure site need never be a source of concern for your visitors.

3. UKWindowsHostASP.NET – Solid Security ASP.NET Core Hosting

Affordably, dependable, and securely hosted with all the bells and whistles? Do you want it done by a business that Fortune 500 companies have trusted since 1999? All of that and much more are available through UKWindowsHostASP.NET, including simple ways to add hundreds of well-liked web apps to your account.

Because all of UKWindowsHostASP’s data centers are in London, rather than because its security is subpar, it is third on this list. This means that while your site might load more slowly in the rest of the world, it’s a great option for serving customers in United Kingdom an some areas of Western Europe.

Features

• Custom-built security suite. The in-house created security suite from UKWindowsHostASP.NET consists of a malware database that is regularly updated, a machine learning firewall, a virus scanner, and other tools.
• Includes Imunify360. UKWindowsHostASP.NET uses Imunify 360 in addition to its own set of tools as an add-on to its security system. Hey, redundant systems are crucial to security. Hey, redundant systems are crucial to security
• DDoS protection. Again, there is no cause for concern that some script kiddy (a novice hacker who purchases ready-made hacking tools) will be able to take down your website because they were offended by a site comment. (It occurs more frequently than you might imagine.)
• Free SSL certificates. UKWindowsHostASP.NET, which has been around since 2010, has figured out this SSL thing.