{"id":38235,"date":"2026-09-03T12:39:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T11:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/?p=38235"},"modified":"2026-09-03T12:39:44","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T11:39:44","slug":"waf-vs-firewall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/waf-vs-firewall\/","title":{"rendered":"WAF vs. Firewall: Which is the Best Security Layer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and traditional firewalls both filter incoming website traffic, yet they protect APIs in entirely different ways. While they share the ultimate goal of data security, their inspection methods, traffic layers, and defense capabilities diverge significantly. Choosing the right firewall setup is an essential step when configuring secure <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/\">web hosting<\/a> for modern applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This paper looks into a comparison between WAFs and firewalls and their differences. An understanding of these distinctions allows you to work out how well you need to shield your business from cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\r\n  .mw-wffwtd, .mw-wffwtd * { box-sizing: border-box !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd {\r\n    max-width: 1000px;\r\n    margin: 24px auto !important;\r\n    border: 1px solid #DDE3E1;\r\n    border-left: 4px solid #0F4C5C !important;\r\n    border-radius: 10px;\r\n    padding: 22px 26px !important;\r\n    background: #FBFCFB !important;\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd__title {\r\n    font-size: 14.5px !important; font-weight: 800 !important; letter-spacing: .05em !important;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase; color: #0F4C5C !important; margin: 0 0 14px !important;\r\n    display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; text-align: left !important;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd__title-icon { font-size: 16px; }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list {\r\n    list-style: none !important; list-style-type: none !important; list-style-position: outside !important;\r\n    list-style-image: none !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list li {\r\n    font-size: 16px !important; line-height: 1.68 !important; color: #22303A !important;\r\n    margin: 0 0 13px !important; padding-left: 24px !important; position: relative;\r\n    list-style: none !important; list-style-type: none !important; text-align: left !important;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list li::marker { content: ''; display: none; }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list li:last-child { margin-bottom: 0 !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list li:before {\r\n    content: '\u2713'; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 2px;\r\n    color: #1E8E5A !important; font-weight: 800 !important; font-size: 13.5px !important;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list b { color: #12232B !important; font-weight: 700 !important; }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\r\n    .mw-wffwtd { padding: 18px 20px !important; border-radius: 12px; }\r\n    .mw-wffwtd ul.mw-wffwtd__list li { font-size: 14.5px !important; }\r\n  }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mw-wffwtd\">\r\n  <p class=\"mw-wffwtd__title\"><span class=\"mw-wffwtd__title-icon\">\u26a1<\/span>Quick Answer<\/p>\r\n  <ul class=\"mw-wffwtd__list\">\r\n    <li>A <b>network firewall<\/b> operates at Layers 3 &#038; 4, checking IP addresses and ports \u2014 it&#8217;s the guard at the gate. A <b>WAF<\/b> operates at Layer 7, reading the actual HTTP content \u2014 the guard inside the building.<\/li>\r\n    <li>Firewalls stop <b>network-level threats<\/b> (DDoS, port scanning, unauthorized access); WAFs stop <b>application-level exploits<\/b> (SQL injection, XSS, malicious bots).<\/li>\r\n    <li><b>Neither replaces the other<\/b> \u2014 a firewall can&#8217;t inspect encrypted HTTP payloads for SQL injection, and a WAF doesn&#8217;t manage general network access or ports.<\/li>\r\n    <li>WAFs come in <b>three deployment types<\/b>: cloud-based (scalable, low maintenance), software-based (highly customizable), and hardware-based (lowest latency, highest cost).<\/li>\r\n    <li>Using only one creates <b>real security gaps<\/b> \u2014 most production environments need both working together as layered defense, not a choice between them.<\/li>\r\n  <\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"skrlto-container\" style=\"border-radius: 13px; padding: 25px; background: #EEF6FF;\">\r\n<h2 class=\"skrlto-header-title\">Table of Content<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"skrlto-links-wrapper\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT1WPTheme\">What is a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT2WPTheme\">What is a Firewall?<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT3WPTheme\">Firewall vs. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Core Comparison<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT4WPTheme\">WAF and Firewall: Do You Need Both?<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT5WPTheme\">Can a WAF Replace a Firewall?<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT6WPTheme\">Types of WAFs\r\n<ul class=\"innr-skroll-button\">\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT7WPTheme\">Cloud-Based WAF<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT8WPTheme\">Software-Based (Host-Based) WAF<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT9WPTheme\">Hardware-Based (Network-Based) WAF<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT10WPTheme\">Type of Firewalls\r\n<ul class=\"innr-skroll-button\">\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT11WPTheme\">Network Firewall<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT12WPTheme\">Host-Based Firewall<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT13WPTheme\">Distributed Firewall<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT14WPTheme\">How to Select a WAF?<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT15WPTheme\">How to Select a Firewall?<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"skroll-button\" data-skrolllto=\"WPT16WPTheme\">FAQs<\/li>\r\n\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT1WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Web Application Firewall (WAF)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/what-is-a-web-application-firewall\/\">Web Application Firewall<\/a> (WAF) protects web applications and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). They most commonly protect unstructured corporate web applications by blocking threats. They do not provide protection for all forms of traffic for an entire network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WAFs operate at the application layer of the WAF and review all HTTPS requests that reach a web application and API to find and block <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/hosting-faqs\/guide-sql-injection-attack\/\">SQL injections<\/a> and other similar attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/top-waf-vendors\/\">Top WAF Vendors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT2WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Firewall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A firewall is a network security device to monitor, control, and filter an organization\u2019s incoming and outgoing network traffic based on pre-established security policies. It filters the traffic between the private internal network and the public internet, allowing a secured browsing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A WAF uses several techniques to determine whether traffic should be allowed to pass through to an application or be blocked. Some of those techniques are part of a negative security model, which is based on block lists of known signatures, while some belong to positive and negative security models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/important-every-website-web-application-firewall\/\">Why Is It Important For Every Website To Have A Web Application Firewall<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT3WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Firewall vs. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Core Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<style>\r\n  .mw-wffw, .mw-wffw * { box-sizing: border-box !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw {\r\n    max-width: 1000px;\r\n    margin: 24px auto !important;\r\n    background: #fff !important;\r\n    border: 1px solid #DCE6F5;\r\n    border-radius: 18px;\r\n    box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(20,40,90,.08);\r\n    font-family: -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head, .mw-wffw__row {\r\n    display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 1fr 1fr;\r\n    align-items: start;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head {\r\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #EAF1FB 0%, #DCE9FB 100%) !important;\r\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #DCE6F5;\r\n    border-radius: 18px 18px 0 0;\r\n  }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head-cell { padding: 16px 18px !important; font: 800 13px\/1.3 inherit !important;\r\n    letter-spacing: .04em !important; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: left !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head-cell:first-child { color: #5B6B8C !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head-cell--fw { color: #0E7490 !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__head-cell--waf { color: #B5391A !important; }\r\n\r\n  .mw-wffw__row { border-bottom: 1px solid #EEF2FA; transition: background .18s ease; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__row:hover { background: #F5F8FE !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__feat { padding: 16px 18px !important; font: 700 14px\/1.4 inherit !important; color: #1A2340 !important; text-align: left !important; }\r\n  .mw-wffw__cell { padding: 16px 18px !important; font: 400 13.5px\/1.55 inherit !important; color: #3A4568 !important; border-left: 1px solid #F0F3FA; text-align: left !important; }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 700px) {\r\n    .mw-wffw__head { display: none; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__row { display: block; padding: 16px 18px !important; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__feat { padding: 0 0 10px !important; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__cell { padding: 8px 0 !important; border-left: none; border-top: 1px solid #F0F3FA; display: flex; gap: 10px; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__cell:before { flex: none; width: 108px; font: 800 10px\/1.3 inherit !important;\r\n      letter-spacing: .03em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #8A93AC !important; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__cell--fw:before { content: 'Network Firewall'; }\r\n    .mw-wffw__cell--waf:before { content: 'WAF'; }\r\n  }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mw-wffw\">\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__head\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__head-cell\">Feature<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__head-cell mw-wffw__head-cell--fw\">Network Firewall<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__head-cell mw-wffw__head-cell--waf\">Web Application Firewall (WAF)<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">Main job<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">Locks down the network perimeter to keep unauthorized users out.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Shields public-facing websites, APIs, and web apps from malicious requests.<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">How deep it looks<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">Glances at the envelope \u2014 IP addresses, port numbers, basic connection rules.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Reads the actual letter inside \u2014 HTTP headers, URL parameters, code payloads.<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">Where it operates<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">Network &#038; Transport layers (Layers 3 &#038; 4).<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Application layer (Layer 7).<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">What it stops<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">Network overload attacks (DDoS), port scanning, spoofed IPs, unauthorized network access.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Web exploits like SQL Injection (SQLi), Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), malicious bots, and web scraping.<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">How rules work<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">Blocklist approach \u2014 blocks known bad ports or IPs, allows almost everything else.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Hybrid approach \u2014 blocks known exploit patterns and learns &#8220;normal&#8221; web behavior to block the rest.<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"mw-wffw__row\">\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__feat\">Where it lives<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--fw\">On the network edge, right at the entry point to your infrastructure.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"mw-wffw__cell mw-wffw__cell--waf\">Directly in front of web servers \u2014 as a cloud service, reverse proxy, or software plugin.<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/waf-vs-reverse-proxy\/\">WAF vs Reverse Proxy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT4WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">WAF and Firewall: Do You Need Both?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Securing your network from modern, sophisticated cyberattacks becomes crucial for data-intensive operations. Here is how you can use both to get specialized security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Layered Defense:<\/strong> A network firewall acts as the first security guard at the gate. A WAF acts as a special security guard inside websites and APIs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Different Targets:<\/strong> A firewall protects servers and internal IT infrastructure from general intrusion. WAFs protect your web apps from targeted hacks and data theft.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Complete Coverage:<\/strong> One cannot replace the other because of different protection layers available in the system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT5WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a WAF Replace a Firewall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WAF is not a network firewall but oversees traffic for web applications, and a network firewall is used to monitor network traffic. Having a WAF does not eliminate the need to restrict unnecessary ports, services, or network access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, a network firewall cannot conduct a thorough analysis to detect application-level attacks, like SQL injection or XSS. They address various security issues, and it\u2019s crucial to use the appropriate tool for each layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/aws-waf-vs-shield\/\">AWS WAF vs. AWS Shield<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT6WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of WAFs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-waf.png\" alt=\"types-of-waf\" class=\"wp-image-38246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-waf.png 800w, https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-waf-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-waf-768x427.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT7WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Cloud-Based WAF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cloud-based WAFs allow you to outsource your security to a vendor. These WAFs offer a service that you can deploy either in-line or as an API call, allowing you to manage your updates, deployment, and scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Is It For?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every business of every size. From small startups to enterprise businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hassle-free, subscription-based solutions are ideal for the multi-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/aws-waf-vs-shield\/\">cloud<\/a> market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udcc8<\/div>\r\n        Scalable and cost-effective\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        There is no overhead or maintenance\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83c\udfaf<\/div>\r\n        Central management is guaranteed.\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udc0c<\/div>\r\n        Higher latency\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udd17<\/div>\r\n        Third-party reliance\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT8WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Software-Based (Host-Based) WAF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A virtual appliance or software agent can be installed on a physical device, a virtual device, or a cloud device using these WAFs. This solution is ideal for companies that want to have a high level of control for web security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Is It For?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On-premise or cloud applications that require high levels of security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Businesses capable of configuring and managing compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Highly customizable\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udcb0<\/div>\r\n        Cost-effective compared to a hardware-based WAF\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udce6<\/div>\r\n        Deployable in containerized environments.\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udd25<\/div>\r\n        This solution is resource-intensive.\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\u23f3<\/div>\r\n        Steep deployment cycle\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT9WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Hardware-Based (Network-Based) WAF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This WAF is a solution you deploy on-premises as a physical device. It is typically installed between a web server and outside traffic. This type of WAF is best suited for large enterprises with a high volume of traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Is It For?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enterprises and government organizations that value faster performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizations handling sensitive data that need a higher level of compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\u26a1<\/div>\r\n        Lower latency\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udd10<\/div>\r\n        Full control of the security policies\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Has backup and safety measures\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udcb8<\/div>\r\n        It has a high cost of implementation.\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udcbb<\/div>\r\n        The solution demands a high level of IT expertise.\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT10WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type of Firewalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-firewall.png\" alt=\"types-of-firewall\" class=\"wp-image-38245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-firewall.png 800w, https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-firewall-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/types-of-firewall-768x427.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT11WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Network Firewall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A network firewall is installed at the interface of a trusted network (internal and private) and an untrusted network (internet). A network firewall monitors, controls, and makes validation decisions on all traffic that wishes to enter or exit the trusted network. Communication rules are set to protect the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Should Use It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Those who utilize hardware and\/or software to thoroughly investigate all traffic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Those who wish to block unpredictable data streams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udda5\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Built on hardware\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udccb<\/div>\r\n        Monitoring logs\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/div>\r\n        Thorough traffic inspection\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udd04<\/div>\r\n        Requires continuous rule maintenance\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Will be a single point of failure\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT12WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Host-Based Firewall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A host-based firewall is a software firewall installed on a single computer in a network. It is installed on each device for a layer of protection and controls the traffic entering or exiting the device. It operates on the principle of inspecting the traffic of the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Should Use It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Organizations with remote employees or those who connect to external networks should use it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizations that need a higher level of network protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udcf1<\/div>\r\n        Protection at device level\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Additional layer of protection\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83c\udf10<\/div>\r\n        Effective against threats coming from the network\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Managed on device\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83d\udcbe<\/div>\r\n        Limited resources on device\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"WPT13WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Distributed Firewall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distributed firewalls run over a network, rather than a node or device. Unlike traditional firewalls, distributed firewalls enforce security across multiple points within the network rather than at a single node. This is a protection system that uses several devices to watch and control the traffic to provide full protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Should Use It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanding companies that require scalable security solutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business that is worried about internal\/lateral threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\r\n     PROS & CONS \u2014 WordPress Custom HTML Block\r\n     Add a \"Custom HTML\" Gutenberg block and paste this inside\r\n     ============================================================ -->\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.oa-pc * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc {\r\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, sans-serif;\r\n  max-width: 1000px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 2rem auto;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 1.25rem;\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 540px) {\r\n  .oa-pc .pc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pc-card {\r\n  border-radius: 16px;\r\n  padding: 1.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-card {\r\n  background: #edf7f1;\r\n  border: 1px solid #b6dfc4;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-card {\r\n  background: #fff7f0;\r\n  border: 1px solid #f5c8a0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .section-label {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13px !important;\r\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\r\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase !important;\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-label {\r\n  color: #2a7a47 !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #b6dfc4 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .cons-label {\r\n  color: #b8510a !important;\r\n  border-bottom: 1.5px solid #f5c8a0 !important;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 11px;\r\n  background: #ffffff;\r\n  border-radius: 8px;\r\n  padding: 10px 13px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\r\n  font-size: 13.5px;\r\n  color: #111827;\r\n  border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .item-row:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\r\n.oa-pc .item-icon {\r\n  width: 32px;\r\n  height: 32px;\r\n  min-width: 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.oa-pc .pros-icon { background: #d4f0e0; }\r\n.oa-pc .cons-icon { background: #fde8d4; }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"oa-pc\">\r\n  <div class=\"pc-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card pros-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label pros-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\ud83d\udc4d<\/span> Pros\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/div>\r\n        Monitor internal\/external traffic\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udcc8<\/div>\r\n        Scale effectively\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon pros-icon\">\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Minimizes single point of failure\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"pc-card cons-card\">\r\n      <div class=\"section-label cons-label\">\r\n        <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span> Cons\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n        Complex configurations\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"item-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"item-icon cons-icon\">\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83d\udcbb<\/div>\r\n        Demand more resources\/expertise\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- END PROS & CONS -->\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT14WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Select a WAF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Quick Setup:<\/strong> Instant provisioning and scalability deliver complete control\u2014deployment can be cloud- or AWS-based for best performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced Protection:<\/strong> Standard protection from SQL injection, XSS, and much more against the advanced threats: bot traffic, API misuse, and DDoS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customizability &amp; False Positives:<\/strong> Make sure that tools are customizable, or the sensitivity can be adjusted to minimize spam users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Logging and Compliance:<\/strong> Ensure that it has logging capabilities and generates reports for compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/what-is-ddos-protection\/\">Mastering DDoS Protection: A Step Toward Cyber Resilience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"WPT15WPTheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Select a Firewall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your IT department is small, you may want to see user-friendly interfaces, auto-responses, or managed security services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use GPS (geo-location devices) and network-based IP addresses to secure the geographical area before logging in, ensuring that users in restricted countries cannot access the system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The time factor limits an account\u2019s access to specific hours or shifts, helping reduce the risk of data breaches outside normal business hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vlt-box \">\r\n<div class=\"box-title\" style=\"background:#D5EAFF; color:#000\">Conclusion<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"box-content\" >\r\n<p>It&#8217;s difficult to determine the proper winner between WAFs and traditional firewalls since both are indispensable and complementary to form a secure strategy. A WAF is a specialized firewall that inspects the content of real application traffic, whereas a network firewall is used to block unauthorized access to the network. Using only one creates major gaps that today&#8217;s malicious cyber-attacks readily exploit.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vlt-box \">\r\n<h2 class=\"box-title\" style=\"background:#D5EAFF; color:#000\" id=\"WPT16WPTheme\">FAQs<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"box-content\" >\r\n<h3 class=\"box-title\" style=\"background:#D5EAFF; color:#000\">1. Is a WAF the same as a firewall?<\/h3>\r\n<p>WAF is not a generic firewall with a specific purpose to protect web applications and APIs against code-level exploits. A regular firewall controls traffic on a network using ports and IP addresses, while a WAF specifically blocks more complex attacks at the application level by looking at the actual content of HTTP\/HTTPS traffic.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"box-title\" style=\"background:#D5EAFF; color:#000\">2. Do I need a WAF if I already have a firewall?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Yes, you do need a WAF, because regular network-level firewalls will not be able to decrypt or inspect the deep application-level traffic where SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) take place. Without a network firewall, contemporary application-specific attacks can completely compromise your public-facing web applications.<\/p>\r\n<h3 class=\"box-title\" style=\"background:#D5EAFF; color:#000\">3. What layer does a WAF operate at?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A WAF is a security solution that can be found at Layer 7 (Application Layer) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Layer 7 is the particular position that allows one to be able to analyze human-readable protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, and WebSocket traffic and identify any malicious actions before the web server sees them.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and traditional firewalls both filter incoming website traffic, yet they protect APIs in entirely different ways. While they share the ultimate goal of data security, their inspection methods, traffic layers, and defense capabilities diverge significantly. Choosing the right firewall setup is an essential step when configuring secure web hosting for modern&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/website-security\/waf-vs-firewall\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":964,"featured_media":38247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[2479],"class_list":["post-38235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website-security","tag-waf-vs-firewall"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/964"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38235"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38250,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38235\/revisions\/38250"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.milesweb.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}