Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) is a cloud-delivered security layer that shields websites and APIs from exploits, bots, and denial-of-service attacks. If you’re asking what is Web Application and API Protection, it’s the evolution of a WAF: policy and threat defense designed for modern, API-heavy apps. WAAP sits in front of your services (often as a reverse proxy/CDN edge), inspects HTTP/S traffic, and enforces adaptive rules without code changes.
We often see security teams adopt WAAP as microservices and mobile apps expand the attack surface. Classic WAF rules alone can’t catch credential stuffing, shadow APIs, or business-logic abuse—WAAP adds behavior analysis and API-aware controls to close those gaps.
Key capabilities include:
- App & API shielding: OWASP Top 10 coverage, positive security models, schema/JSON validation, and granular rate limiting.
- Bot & account takeover defense: Behavioral challenges, device signals, and anomaly detection to stop automated abuse.
- DDoS & edge protections: Layer 3–7 mitigation, TLS enforcement, geo/IP controls, and posture checks at the edge.
- Discovery & visibility: Continuous API discovery, runtime telemetry, and integrations with CI/CD and SIEM for faster response.
Our take? WAAP turns fragmented controls into one policy fabric that protects what users actually touch—your apps and APIs.
Want the full breakdown and rollout patterns that won’t slow releases? Explore our Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) Guide to align bot defenses, API discovery, and risk-based policies with real attack paths.
