Web Application and API protection needs to be cloud delivered

Web application and API protection is a critical aspect of maintaining the security and integrity of online systems. These systems, which include web applications and APIs, are vulnerable to a variety of cyber threats, such as SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and DDoS attacks. To protect against these threats, organisations must implement robust security measures, such as web application firewalls (WAFs), API security gateways, bot detection & fraud mitigation.

Traditionally, these security measures have been delivered as on-premise solutions, requiring organisations to purchase, install, and maintain the hardware and software themselves. However, more and more organisations are opting to deliver web application and API protection as a cloud service, and there are several reasons why this is a smart choice.

• Cost Savings: One of the primary benefits of delivering web application and API protection as a cloud service is the cost savings. On-premise solutions require significant upfront costs for hardware and software, as well as ongoing maintenance and support costs. Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, are typically offered on a subscription basis, with the provider handling all maintenance and support. This can result in significant cost savings for organisations, especially for those with limited IT resources.
• Scalability: Another advantage of cloud-based web application and API protection is scalability. As the volume of traffic to an organisation's web applications and APIs increases, the infrastructure required to support it must also increase. With an on-premise solution, this requires purchasing and installing additional hardware, which can be costly and time-consuming. With a cloud-based solution, the provider can simply scale up the service as needed, providing the necessary infrastructure on an as-needed basis.
• Improved Performance: Cloud-based web application and API protection can also result in improved performance. On-premise solutions can be hindered by limited resources and bandwidth, leading to slow performance and potentially even downtime. Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, are typically supported by a global network of servers, ensuring fast and reliable performance.
• Enhanced Security: In addition to the cost savings and scalability benefits, cloud-based web application and API protection can also provide enhanced security. Cloud providers typically have state-of-the-art security measures in place to protect their infrastructure, including advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security monitoring. This can provide an additional layer of security for organisations, especially those without the resources to implement these measures themselves.
• Simplified Maintenance: Maintaining an on-premise web application and API protection solution can be a complex and time-consuming task. It requires regular updates, patches, and maintenance to ensure that the solution is working properly and is up to date with the latest threats. With a cloud-based solution, the provider handles all of this maintenance, allowing organisations to focus on their core business activities.
• Improved Disaster Recovery: In the event of a disaster, such as a power outage or natural disaster, on-premise web application and API protection solutions can be disrupted, leading to downtime and potentially even data loss. Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, are typically hosted in multiple data centres, providing built-in disaster recovery capabilities.

In summary, there are several reasons why web application and API protection should be delivered as a cloud service. These include cost savings, scalability, improved performance, enhanced security, simplified maintenance, and improved disaster recovery. By leveraging a cloud-based solution, organisations can ensure the security and integrity of their web applications and APIs without the burden of maintaining an on-premise solution.