AWS WAF

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What AWS WAF is

AWS WAF protects web applications by filtering requests and applying rules against common exploits. Rules can inspect IP addresses, HTTP headers and bodies, and custom URIs, while blocking SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Managed rule groups add bot control, account takeover prevention and account creation fraud prevention. Bot Control can block or rate-limit pervasive bots while allowing common bots such as search engines and status monitors. Fraud Control monitors login and signup pages for compromised credentials and fake account creation. Guided setup provides a single-page workflow with security defaults tailored to an application type, and centralized rules can be reused across websites and applications. Optional or recommended JavaScript and iOS/Android SDKs provide extra device telemetry for fraud protections. Pricing starts at $5/mo; charges depend on web ACLs, rules and processed requests, and can vary by Region. Marketplace rule groups may add seller fees, while connected services are billed separately.

Who it suits

AWS WAF suits startups, enterprises, nonprofits and governments protecting web applications or APIs. It is useful for teams needing managed bot, fraud and request-filtering controls across multiple applications.

What it does well

Filters common web exploits
Managed protections for bots and fraud
Reusable rules across applications
Guided application-specific setup
Supports API protection

What to know first

No free plan
Usage charges vary by Region
Connected AWS services cost separately
Marketplace rules may add seller fees

Limits

There is no free plan. Usage-based charges depend on web ACLs, rules, and processed requests, while Bot Control, Fraud Control, DDoS Protection, CAPTCHA, and marketplace rule groups can add charges.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Usage-based AWS WAF	Monthly fees are prorated hourly; charges depend on web ACLs, rules, and requests. · No upfront commitments · Additional charges may apply for Bot Control, Fraud Control, DDoS Protection, CAPTCHA, and Marketplace managed rule groups	On request

As aws.amazon.com lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the AWS WAF website
Select the usage-based AWS WAF option
Use the guided setup workflow for your application type
Create web ACLs and filtering rules
Apply managed rule groups or custom protections
Deploy rules across websites or applications

Verdict

AWS WAF combines customizable request rules with managed protections for bots, account abuse and fraud. Costs depend on configured web ACLs, rules and traffic, in addition to related service charges.

Questions

How much does AWS WAF cost?

Pricing starts at $5/mo. Usage-based charges depend on web ACLs, rules, and processed requests, and can vary by AWS Region.

Does AWS WAF have a free plan?

No. AWS WAF is a paid service.

Which platforms does AWS WAF support?

AWS WAF is listed for API and web use.

Can AWS WAF manage bots?

Yes. Bot Control can block or rate-limit pervasive bots and allow common bots such as search engines and status monitors.

Does AWS WAF protect APIs?

Yes. API protection is supported, alongside web application filtering.

Are integrations included in AWS WAF pricing?

AWS WAF charges are additional to CloudFront, Cognito, Application Load Balancer, API Gateway, AppSync, and Shield Advanced pricing.

Facts from AWS WAF's own pages

Additional costs: Marketplace managed rule groups can incur seller fees in addition to AWS WAF charges. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
AI traffic monetization: AWS WAF offers configurable pricing and payment verification for AI bots and agents accessing content and APIs, at no additional AWS WAF charge. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Bot controls: Bot Control can block or rate-limit pervasive bots and allow common bots such as status monitors and search engines. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Compliance: AWS states it supports 143 security standards and compliance certifications, including PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITECH, FedRAMP, GDPR, FIPS 140-3, and NIST 800-171. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Fraud prevention: Fraud Control monitors login and signup pages for compromised credentials and fake account creation. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Integrations: AWS WAF charges are additional to pricing for CloudFront, Cognito, Application Load Balancer, API Gateway, AppSync, and Shield Advanced. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Intended customers: AWS says its customers include startups, enterprises, nonprofits, and governments. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Managed rules: Managed rule groups provide protections including bot control, account takeover prevention, and account creation fraud prevention. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Mobile telemetry: Account takeover and account creation fraud prevention support optional or recommended JavaScript and iOS/Android SDKs for additional device telemetry. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Pricing factors: Charges depend on web ACLs, rules, and processed requests, and pricing may vary across AWS Regions. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Protection setup: Guided setup offers a single-page workflow with preconfigured security defaults tailored to an application type. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Purpose: AWS WAF protects web applications from common exploits. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Rule reuse: A centralized set of rules can be deployed across multiple websites and applications. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Support: AWS offers pricing assistance through specialists who can provide a personalized quote. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026
Traffic rules: Rules can filter requests by IP address, HTTP headers and body, and custom URIs, and can block SQL injection and cross-site scripting. · aws.amazon.com, 30 Sept 2026

Where AWS WAF stands on Freedom251

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