Cloudflare WAF vs Qualys: What are the differences?

# Introduction

1. **Deployment and Focus**: Cloudflare WAF is a cloud-based web application firewall that focuses on blocking malicious traffic before it reaches the web server, while Qualys is a web application vulnerability scanner that identifies weaknesses within the application code and infrastructure.
2. **Detection Technology**: Cloudflare WAF uses a rule-based engine to detect and block suspicious traffic patterns, whereas Qualys relies on automated scanning techniques to find vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
3. **Integration with Security Ecosystem**: Cloudflare WAF seamlessly integrates with other Cloudflare services like DDoS protection and CDN, offering a cohesive security solution, whereas Qualys can integrate with various security tools and platforms through APIs for comprehensive vulnerability management.
4. **Real-time Protection**: Cloudflare WAF provides real-time protection by actively monitoring and blocking threats as they occur, compared to Qualys which identifies vulnerabilities for remediation but does not offer immediate threat prevention.
5. **Customization and Control**: Cloudflare WAF allows users to create custom firewall rules and provides granular control over security settings, enabling tailored protection for specific applications, whereas Qualys offers predefined vulnerability checks and limited customization options.
6. **Pricing Structure**: Cloudflare WAF typically offers a subscription-based pricing model with various tiers based on features and usage, while Qualys offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model based on the number of scans and assets being assessed.

# Summary
In Summary, Cloudflare WAF focuses on real-time threat prevention through a cloud-based firewall, while Qualys specializes in identifying vulnerabilities through automated scanning techniques.