This plugin parses HTTP traffic and applies a set of rules before sending it to the application server. What is it called?

The correct answer is associated with a Web Application Firewall (WAF), which is designed to protect web applications by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. A WAF analyzes incoming traffic to identify and block potential threats such as SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

The functionality of a WAF is crucial, as it does not just block traffic but rather inspects requests against a set of predefined rules. Once the traffic is parsed and assessed, the WAF decides whether to allow, deny, or redirect the request to the application server based on those rules. This proactive approach to security aids in protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of web applications.

In contrast, the other options refer to different technologies or concepts that do not fulfill the same role as a WAF. For instance, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) relates to wireless network security, while WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) concerns mobile devices accessing the Internet. WAS (Web Application Server) refers to server software that runs web applications but does not inherently provide the traffic analysis and filtering capabilities of a WAF.