AWS WAF vs Wazuh: What are the differences?

Introduction

When comparing AWS WAF and Wazuh, it is important to understand their key differences to make an informed decision on which solution best fits your security needs.

1. Scalability: AWS WAF is a cloud-based web application firewall service provided by Amazon Web Services, offering easy scalability as it can automatically handle additional traffic and resources as needed. On the other hand, Wazuh is an open-source security monitoring platform that requires manual provisioning of resources and may not scale as seamlessly as AWS WAF.

2. Deployment: AWS WAF is a managed service that is fully integrated with other AWS services, allowing for easy deployment and management within the AWS environment. In contrast, Wazuh needs to be deployed and configured manually on the infrastructure, which can require more effort and expertise for setup.

3. Rule Customization: AWS WAF provides a wide range of predefined rules and allows for customization based on specific security requirements, offering flexibility in rule creation and implementation. Wazuh, being an open-source platform, also allows for rule customization, but the process may not be as straightforward as with AWS WAF.

4. Monitoring Capabilities: AWS WAF offers robust monitoring and logging features, integrating seamlessly with AWS CloudWatch for real-time monitoring and alerting. Wazuh, while providing comprehensive security monitoring capabilities, may require additional setup and integration with third-party tools for advanced monitoring functionalities.

5. Cost: AWS WAF operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, where users are charged based on their actual usage of the service, which can be cost-effective for smaller organizations or projects. Wazuh, being an open-source platform, eliminates licensing costs but may incur costs in terms of resource allocation and maintenance.

6. Support and Maintenance: AWS WAF is a managed service supported by Amazon Web Services, offering regular updates, maintenance, and technical support to users. In contrast, Wazuh being an open-source platform, relies on community support and may require more hands-on maintenance and updates from the user's end.

In Summary, AWS WAF and Wazuh differ in terms of scalability, deployment, rule customization, monitoring capabilities, cost, and support and maintenance, making it essential to carefully evaluate these factors when choosing a security solution.