# Ensure WAF is enabled

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_1790787215590150-ensure-waf-is-enabled
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [Cloudflare](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/c_1790786902273285) › [Checks](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/f_1790786912003423)
- Last updated: 2026-09-30
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

**Description**

Ensure the Web Application Firewall (WAF) is active for the zone by deploying the Cloudflare Managed Ruleset, which inspects HTTP requests and blocks common attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and known exploits. Free plans use the Cloudflare Free Managed Ruleset instead.

**Rationale**

Web applications are constantly scanned for known vulnerabilities. Without a WAF, every malicious request reaches your origin, and a single unpatched flaw can be exploited. The Cloudflare Managed Ruleset is maintained by Cloudflare and updated as new threats appear, giving strong protection without writing your own rules.

**Impact**

-   Blocks common web attacks before they reach the origin
    
-   Rules are updated by Cloudflare as new threats appear
    
-   Some legitimate requests may need exceptions if they are blocked
    

**Default Value**

The Cloudflare Managed Ruleset is not deployed by default and requires a Pro plan or higher. Free plans have the Cloudflare Free Managed Ruleset, which is deployed automatically.

**Pre-Requisites**

-   Cloudflare account with Administrator or Firewall permissions for the zone
    
-   Pro, Business, or Enterprise plan for the Cloudflare Managed Ruleset
    

**Test Plan**

1.  Sign in to the Cloudflare dashboard at [https://dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com/).
    
2.  Select your account and the domain (zone) you want to review.
    
3.  Go to Security > Settings and (optionally) filter by Web application exploits. On older dashboards, the setting is under Security > Settings, Security > Bots, or Scrape Shield.
    
4.  Verify that Cloudflare managed ruleset is turned on.
    
5.  If it is off, follow the implementation steps.
    

**Implementation Steps**

1.  Sign in to the Cloudflare dashboard at [https://dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com/).
    
2.  Select your account and the domain (zone) you want to review.
    
3.  Go to Security > Settings and (optionally) filter by Web application exploits. On older dashboards, the setting is under Security > Settings, Security > Bots, or Scrape Shield.
    
4.  Turn on Cloudflare managed ruleset.
    
5.  Review Security > Analytics for blocked requests and add exceptions for any false positives.
    

**Backout Plan**

1.  Sign in to the Cloudflare dashboard at [https://dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com/).
    
2.  Select your account and the domain (zone) you want to review.
    
3.  Go to Security > Settings and (optionally) filter by Web application exploits. On older dashboards, the setting is under Security > Settings, Security > Bots, or Scrape Shield.
    
4.  Turn off Cloudflare managed ruleset.
    

**Reference**

-   [https://developers.cloudflare.com/waf/get-started/](https://developers.cloudflare.com/waf/get-started/)
    
-   [https://developers.cloudflare.com/waf/managed-rules/](https://developers.cloudflare.com/waf/managed-rules/)

## Related compliance guidance

- [SOC 2 compliance: a practical implementation guide for cloud-native SaaS teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/soc-2-trust-services-criteria): Configuration checks like this one are the technical half of a SOC 2 / ISO 27001 programme — the guide shows where they fit, what else an auditor expects, and how to evidence them.
- [ISO/IEC 27001:2022 compliance: a practical implementation guide](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/iso-27001-2022): ISO 27001 Annex A.8 (technological controls) is where cloud hardening evidence lands; the guide shows how to run the ISMS around it.