AWS WAF Enhances Data Protection and Logging Experience: What You Need to Know

In an age where data security is a top priority for organizations of all sizes, AWS continues to lead the charge with innovations that simplify protection and enhance visibility into potential vulnerabilities. On February 18, 2025, AWS announced a significant enhancement to its Web Application Firewall (WAF) that introduces robust data protection and logging features aimed at safeguarding sensitive information. Let’s dive into the details of this new offering and explore how it could potentially benefit your organization.

Enhanced Data Protection Features

As part of the update, AWS WAF has introduced new controls designed specifically for sensitive data within logs. The improved Data Protection capabilities work seamlessly with existing Logging Redaction and Filtering features, thus offering a comprehensive security layer.

This functionality allows users to select the best protection method tailored to specific use cases. For example, organizations can choose to redact sensitive data in request logs by replacing critical information with cryptographic hashes or a standardized string like “REDACTED.” This ensures that when logs are sent to destinations such as WAF Sample Logs, Amazon Security Lake, CloudWatch, or other logging endpoints, sensitive data remains obscured, minimizing the probability of unintended exposure.

Simplified Logging Configuration

In addition to the data protection features, AWS has also revamped the WAF console experience, making it easier to manage logging configurations. The new, user-friendly console enables customers to view all available logging options in one place, offering a simple, unified experience for selecting their preferred logging settings.

This overhaul is poised to save time and reduce the complexity typically involved in configuring and managing logging settings in large-scale environments.

Availability and Cost

This feature is now available in all AWS Regions where AWS WAF is operational. It's encouraging to note that AWS does not impose additional costs for using these new features; however, standard AWS WAF charges still apply. For detailed pricing information, prospective users are encouraged to visit the AWS WAF Pricing page.

Get Started with Data Protection

If you're eager to take advantage of these new enhancements, start by navigating to the 'Logging and metrics' section within your Web ACL in the AWS WAF console. Here, you can select the desired data protection options while keeping your existing logging configurations intact.

For further details, AWS provides an extensive developer guide equipped with all the information needed to leverage these enhancements effectively.

Conclusion

AWS continues to prioritize data security, making it easier for businesses to protect sensitive information without compromising on logging and compliance needs. The enhancements to AWS WAF's data protection and logging capabilities represent a significant step forward in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining customer trust.

If your business relies on online operations, leveraging AWS WAF’s new features could be a critical investment in your overall cybersecurity strategy. With an accessible interface and straightforward configuration options, there's no better time to ensure your applications are both secure and compliant.

Stay informed, stay secure, and harness the power of AWS WAF to keep your data safe.

For further assistance or queries about AWS WAF, please visit AWS Support.