For any e-commerce platform management, security is a top priority, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) has tools for handling such need. One critical aspect of this is the Web Application Firewall (WAF), an essential feature designed to protect online stores from malicious activities. Levels of WAF security in SFCC help in balancing the need for strong security with the usability of the platform for legitimate users.
What Is the SFCC WAF?
The SFCC Web Application Firewall is a layer of protection that monitors and filters HTTP traffic for e-commerce sites. Its primary purpose is to prevent SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks while allowing genuine traffic to operate smoothly.
WAF security levels in SFCC are settings that define how strict this protection is. By adjusting these levels, businesses can configure the firewall to work exactly the way they want.
SFCC WAF Security Level Explained
The SFCC WAF security levels can be categorized into tiers that offer different levels of security versus user experience.
Low Security Level
This is set to limit false positives and permit maximum traffic – it is recommended for websites that prioritize user access.
It is often used during testing or in environments where known threats are minimally present.
It is less restrictive but more vulnerable to exploits.
Medium Security Level
This level offers decent protection against most common threats without blocking legitimate users.
This is good for all e-commerce sites that want security without compromising usability.
High Security Level
This is the most restrictive setting that blocks virtually all possible threats, making it great for high-risk environments or sites that process sensitive data.
It provides robust protection but can produce false positives that require manual intervention to ensure no legitimate users are blocked.
When to Adjust the Security Level
The right WAF security level depends on several factors:
Traffic Type: High volume of traffic from regions prone to cyberattacks may require a higher security level.
Business Model: For retailers processing highly sensitive customer data such as payment details, the stronger setting should be chosen to meet data protection standards.
Operational Needs: In cases of usability issues related to false positives, lower the security level temporarily while fine-tuning the firewall rules.
Best Practices for Managing WAF Security
Monitor Regularly: Review WAF logs and analytics tools to understand the type of traffic being filtered. This helps find patterns and optimize settings.
Test Configurations: Try out security levels in a staging environment before deploying changes to see if they disrupt the user experience.
Balance with Other Measures: Stack WAF settings with two-factor authentication, regular software updates, and employee training for complete protection.
Stay Flexible: Threat landscapes evolve. Regularly review your SFCC WAF security level to reflect new vulnerabilities or business requirements.
In Conclusion
Security goes beyond just blocking attacks; it’s about providing a safe, trustable environment for users. By considering WAF security levels carefully, businesses can strike this balance, protecting their platform and building customer trust and satisfaction.