What is the main function of a web application firewall?

The primary function of a web application firewall (WAF) is to filter and monitor HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. WAFs are specifically designed to protect web applications by analyzing and filtering HTTP requests and responses. They help block attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other common web-based threats. By examining the characteristics of incoming and outgoing traffic, a WAF can enforce security policies and provide a layer of defense against application-layer attacks.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of network security. Network segmentation is about dividing a network into smaller parts to enhance security and manageability, while isolating data environments refers to creating secure boundaries between different data systems. Managing identity and access involves controlling who has access to certain resources and implementing authentication and authorization protocols. These functions may complement the overall security strategy but do not align with the specific role of a WAF. In summary, the ability of a web application firewall to monitor and filter HTTP traffic is crucial for safeguarding web applications against various cyber threats.