AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) Skill Overview

Welcome to the AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) Skill page. You can use this skill
template as is or customize it to fit your needs and environment.

    Category: Technical > Web security

Description

AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security service that protects web applications from common web exploits like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). It allows you to create rules that block, allow, or monitor (count) web requests based on conditions you define. These conditions might include IP addresses, HTTP headers, HTTP body, URI strings, SQL code, or script code. AWS WAF can be integrated with other AWS services for enhanced security and monitoring. Advanced users can automate WAF setup using AWS SDKs and Command Line Interface (CLI), and implement security automations. Understanding AWS WAF requires knowledge of its features, use cases, pricing model, and how to troubleshoot issues.

Stack

Amazon Cloud,

Expected Behaviors

  • Fundamental Awareness

    At the fundamental awareness level, individuals should have a basic understanding of what AWS WAF is and its role in protecting web applications. They should also be aware of common use cases for AWS WAF.

  • Novice

    Novices should be able to set up AWS WAF and create a web ACL. They should have a basic understanding of AWS WAF rules and rule groups, and know how to block or allow requests based on conditions. They should also be familiar with the AWS WAF pricing model.

  • Intermediate

    At the intermediate level, individuals should be able to integrate AWS WAF with other AWS services and use it to protect against common threats like SQL injection and XSS. They should understand rate-based rules, be able to monitor AWS WAF using CloudWatch, and know how to use the AWS WAF API.

  • Advanced

    Advanced users should be able to troubleshoot AWS WAF issues and optimize its performance. They should understand advanced features like geo match, size constraint, and regex pattern sets, and be able to automate AWS WAF setup using AWS SDKs and CLI. They should also understand how to implement AWS WAF security automations.

  • Expert

    Experts should have a deep understanding of AWS WAF architecture and internals, and be able to design and implement complex AWS WAF setups. They should be experts in securing multi-tier web applications using AWS WAF, and know best practices for using AWS WAF in large-scale environments. They should also be able to train others in using AWS WAF effectively.

Micro Skills

Familiarity with the definition of a Web Application Firewall

Knowledge of the purpose and benefits of using AWS WAF

Awareness of the basic components of AWS WAF such as web ACLs, rules, and conditions

Understanding how AWS WAF filters, monitors, and blocks malicious web traffic

Awareness of how AWS WAF helps in preventing common web exploits like SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Basic knowledge of how AWS WAF integrates with other AWS services for enhanced security

Awareness of how AWS WAF can be used to protect web applications from DDoS attacks

Understanding the use of AWS WAF for rate-based blocking of IP addresses

Basic knowledge of using AWS WAF for geo-blocking

Understanding the prerequisites for setting up AWS WAF

Knowledge of the steps to create a web ACL in AWS WAF

Familiarity with the AWS Management Console interface for AWS WAF

Knowledge of the purpose and function of a web ACL

Understanding the process of adding rules to a web ACL

Ability to configure a default action for a web ACL

Understanding the concept of rules in AWS WAF

Familiarity with the types of conditions that can be specified in rules

Knowledge of how to group rules together into a rule group

Knowledge of how to specify conditions in AWS WAF rules

Understanding the difference between blocking and allowing actions

Familiarity with the process of applying rules to web requests

Understanding how AWS WAF charges are calculated

Knowledge of the cost implications of different AWS WAF configurations

Familiarity with the AWS Pricing Calculator for estimating AWS WAF costs

Familiarity with the process of associating a web ACL with a CloudFront distribution

Understanding how AWS WAF works with CloudFront

Understanding how to associate a web ACL with an Application Load Balancer

Understanding how AWS WAF works with Application Load Balancer

Understanding the benefits of using AWS WAF with AWS Shield

Knowledge of how to enable AWS Shield for an AWS WAF web ACL

Knowledge of how to associate a web ACL with an API Gateway stage

Understanding how AWS WAF works with API Gateway

Identifying common AWS WAF errors

Understanding AWS WAF logs for troubleshooting

Knowledge of using AWS support and documentation for resolving issues

Knowledge of AWS WAF performance metrics

Ability to tune AWS WAF rules for better performance

Understanding the impact of AWS WAF configuration on application performance

Understanding the use cases for geo match in AWS WAF

Ability to implement size constraint conditions in AWS WAF

Knowledge of creating and using regex pattern sets in AWS WAF

Familiarity with AWS SDKs for automating AWS WAF

Understanding of AWS CLI commands for AWS WAF

Ability to write scripts for automating AWS WAF setup and management

Knowledge of AWS WAF security automation framework

Ability to configure automated responses to AWS WAF alerts

Understanding how to integrate AWS WAF security automations with other AWS services

Understanding how AWS WAF processes requests

Knowledge of how AWS WAF integrates with other AWS services at a deep level

Implementing AWS WAF setups with multiple rule groups and conditions

Integrating AWS WAF with advanced AWS services like Lambda and Kinesis for complex setups

Implementing security at different layers of a web application using AWS WAF

Using AWS WAF to protect against advanced threats specific to multi-tier web applications

Managing costs while using AWS WAF in large-scale environments

Ensuring high availability and fault tolerance of AWS WAF in large-scale environments

Conducting training sessions on AWS WAF

Mentoring team members in using AWS WAF effectively

Tech Experts

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StackFactor Team
We pride ourselves on utilizing a team of seasoned experts who diligently curate roles, skills, and learning paths by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and conducting extensive research. Our cutting-edge approach ensures that we not only identify the most relevant opportunities for growth and development but also tailor them to the unique needs and aspirations of each individual. This synergy between human expertise and advanced technology allows us to deliver an exceptional, personalized experience that empowers everybody to thrive in their professional journeys.
  • Expert
    3 years work experience
  • Achievement Ownership
    Yes
  • Micro-skills
    57
  • Roles requiring skill
    1
  • Customizable
    Yes
  • Last Update
    Wed Jun 12 2024
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