CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

Which method is MOST effective for detecting abnormal HTTP requests?

1. Using a simple firewall

2. Implementing a web application firewall (WAF)

3. Regularly updating web server software

4. Configuring alert notifications for all network traffic

The correct answer is: Implementing a web application firewall (WAF)

Implementing a web application firewall (WAF) is the most effective method for detecting abnormal HTTP requests due to its specialized design to filter, monitor, and control HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. WAFs are specifically tailored to understand the nuances of web protocols and can identify patterns that signify abnormal behavior, such as SQL injection attempts, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other attacks targeting web applications. WAFs utilize both predefined rules and machine learning to analyze incoming requests in real-time, allowing them to block malicious requests before they reach the web server. This proactive approach not only helps in detection but also in immediate prevention of attacks, making them a crucial component for web application security. In contrast, simple firewalls primarily manage network traffic and may lack the granularity needed to deeply analyze HTTP protocol details, making them less effective for identifying specific types of anomalous web requests. Similarly, while regularly updating web server software is vital for patching vulnerabilities and improving overall security, it does not directly address the detection of abnormal HTTP requests. Configuring alert notifications for all network traffic can provide visibility but often results in an overwhelming amount of data with false positives, making it less effective for specifically detecting abnormal HTTP requests without additional context or filtering mechanisms