What is the primary goal of a Web Application Firewall?

The primary goal of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) is to filter and monitor HTTP traffic to and from a web application. A WAF is designed specifically to protect web applications by inspecting incoming traffic and applying rules to identify and block malicious requests, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and various other web-based attacks. By focusing on web application traffic, a WAF can ensure that only legitimate requests reach the application, helping maintain the security and integrity of web services.

This targeted approach allows the WAF to understand the nuances of web application protocols and behaviors, which are vital for identifying potential threats that traditional firewalls might overlook. While it's true that controlling network traffic, inspecting database queries, and authenticating users are essential aspects of network and application security, they do not directly reflect the core function of a WAF, which is predominantly centered around the protection of web applications from malicious web traffic.