In this article, we will explain why many enterprises could be hacked, although they already have an enterprise-grade firewall installed. We will discuss what types of attacks are on the rise and are responsible for this. After reading this article, you will understand how a Web Application Firewall (WAF) can protect your corporate data, customers, and reputation. Continue reading and discover why the combination of a cloud-based WAF with a traditional network firewall is essential, for any business that uses Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) or cloud applications and promotes remote work.
The impact of cloud, SaaS, and hybrid work on IT security
Did you know that many enterprises right now, are using at least one cloud-based application, which could be hacked or has already been hacked?
Did you know that many websites on the internet, are being attacked every day? These attacks often go unnoticed and are masked as innocent web traffic, which traditional firewalls cannot detect.
The transition from centralized in-house IT to cloud-based applications and SaaS is fundamentally changing the IT security landscape. Enterprises are under constant pressure to protect their data, employees, customers, and corporate image from all kinds of security incidents. Traditional network-based firewalls have done a fantastic job in securing the corporate network, computers behind the firewall and the data. But unfortunately, such traditional firewalls can no longer keep up. Why?
This is because more employees are now working remote and need to access cloud-based applications. Often, they access these applications from their own device. Companies offer a bring-your-own-device policy to encourage hybrid and remote work. Traditional network-based firewalls will continue to secure the centralized corporate IT network, but they cannot secure the decentralized users and cloud-based applications they are using.
The type of attacks that are happening right now
The attacks on cloud-based applications and on both users and providers of SaaS, are masked as innocent HTTP requests. But their sole purpose is to scan the web, to identify vulnerable codes and software which they will then exploit. With such massive attack volumes and automation, the IT department just simply cannot keep up to respond to each individual threat. Neither can they rely anymore on a classic enterprise-grade network firewall, to defend the company against existing and new sophisticated attacks.
Enterprises should take immediate action and invest in a web application firewall. The question is not if they will get hacked, but rather how soon. Hackers will find a weak spot in every popular cloud-based application or SaaS program. They will access your enterprise database, steal corporate data, and further infiltrate your network and computers. Often unnoticed and without interference while you continue working in the background, until it is too late.
What is the solution to protect your business from such attacks?
The solution is a cloud-based, managed web application firewall (WAF), that operates independently from your existing network-based firewall. Because a WAF is working in the cloud and not in a specific location like a traditional firewall, it can protect all users and applications real-time. That protection happens regardless of the location they are in. A WAF that is managed and outsourced to a trusted security specialist in the cloud, can immediately identify and respond to attacks before they can cause any damage. A cloud-based WAF can be self-learning and receive real-time updates, for any proven or suspected threats that emerge around the world.
A WAF is perfect for any company that relies heavily on multiple clouds, has different connected devices and remote workers. The WAF will ensure enterprise-grade protection against any type of application layer hacking attempts. It protects against all the Top 10 web application vulnerabilities, as described, and recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). Including all other existing and emerging threats through its self-learning capabilities.
The WAF will also protect SaaS vendors and its users from sudden weaknesses found in their software, called a Zero-Day Vulnerability. These sudden flaws and errors in a piece of software’s security after for example a new release, often cannot be repaired immediately. Until the security patch is made available, the WAF can identify these harmful weaknesses and protect its users against them.
Combining best of both worlds
A managed WAF is easy to invest in and to start using, as you only pay a monthly management fee based on your business requirements. Any business that stores and processes sensitive information and depends on web-based applications, needs to consider investing in a WAF. This is the only way to protect your employees and customers. A fully managed cloud-based WAF in combination with a traditional network-based firewall, is the only way to protect your business from these attackers.
The combination offers the best of both worlds: Securing both your physical enterprise IT network and your cloud-based applications, remote workers, and SaaS programs.
Do you want to see which fully customizable WAF is right for your business? Contact the experts of LGA Telecom today, for a live demo.
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