Overview
Wallarm is an API security platform that has evolved beyond traditional WAF to address the unique challenges of protecting modern API-driven applications. The platform combines cloud-native WAAP (Web Application and API Protection), automated security testing, and API attack surface management in a unified solution.
Unlike traditional WAFs focused on web traffic, Wallarm was built API-first. The platform automatically discovers APIs, tracks sensitive data flows, and applies protection tailored to API-specific threats like those in the OWASP API Top 10. Machine learning powers both API discovery and threat detection.
A key differentiator is Wallarm's integrated security testing. The platform includes DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) and automated fuzzing capabilities, allowing teams to find vulnerabilities proactively rather than just blocking attacks reactively.
Ratings Breakdown
Key Features
API Discovery
Automatically discover and inventory all APIs with visibility into sensitive data flows and business-critical endpoints.
API Abuse Prevention
Patented AI/ML detection for sophisticated API abuse, credential stuffing, and account takeover attacks.
Cloud-Native WAAP
Web application and API protection deployable across any environment with single-day implementation.
Security Testing
Integrated DAST and automated fuzzing to proactively identify vulnerabilities in APIs and applications.
API Attack Surface Management
Agentless discovery of external API hosts, missing WAF coverage, vulnerabilities, and API leaks.
Agentic AI Protection
Specialized protection for AI-powered applications and agentic AI systems.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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API-first approach
Purpose-built for API security rather than traditional web traffic, addressing modern application needs.
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Integrated testing
Combined WAF and DAST/fuzzing enables both reactive protection and proactive vulnerability discovery.
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Free tier available
500K monthly requests free allows meaningful evaluation and protection for smaller projects.
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Fast deployment
Single-day implementation with multiple deployment options including eBPF for minimal overhead.
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API discovery
Automatic API inventory with sensitive data tracking addresses shadow API challenges.
Cons
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API focus may not suit all
Organizations with primarily traditional web applications may not fully utilize API-specific features.
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Newer market entrant
Less established than traditional WAF vendors; smaller customer base and community.
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Learning curve for testing features
Getting full value requires understanding both WAF and security testing capabilities.
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Enterprise features require top tier
Advanced capabilities like API attack surface management require Enterprise subscription.
Pricing
Pricing model: Subscription based on requests
Free Tier
Get started with API security
- 500K monthly requests
- API discovery
- Basic WAF protection
- Community support
Pro
Professional API security
- Higher request limits
- Advanced API protection
- Security testing (DAST)
- Standard support
Enterprise
Full platform capabilities
- Unlimited requests
- API Attack Surface Management
- Advanced bot protection
- Credential stuffing detection
- 24/7 premium support
Our Verdict
Wallarm represents the evolution of application security for the API-first world. By combining runtime protection with proactive security testing, the platform addresses modern application security more comprehensively than traditional WAFs.
The free tier makes it accessible for evaluation and smaller projects, while enterprise features like API attack surface management provide capabilities larger organizations need. For teams building and securing API-driven applications, Wallarm deserves serious consideration.
Our verdict: Best WAF for API-centric applications and organizations wanting integrated security testing. The API-first approach positions it well for modern architectures.
CVE Coverage
Wallarm API Security Platform can detect and block attacks matching 87K+ known CVEs based on its supported rule sets.
Coverage by Attack Type
Latest Blockable CVEs
| CVE | Severity |
|---|---|
| CVE-2026-4510 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4161 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4087 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4086 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4084 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4077 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4072 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4069 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4067 | MEDIUM |
| CVE-2026-4022 | MEDIUM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Wallarm different from traditional WAFs?
Traditional WAFs were designed for web traffic—HTML pages, forms, and cookies. Wallarm was built API-first, understanding JSON, GraphQL, gRPC, and other API protocols natively. It also integrates security testing (DAST) that traditional WAFs don't offer, enabling proactive vulnerability discovery alongside runtime protection.
What does the free tier include?
Wallarm's free tier includes 500,000 monthly requests, API discovery, basic WAF protection, and community support. It's suitable for smaller projects, testing, or organizations wanting to evaluate the platform before committing to paid plans. No credit card required to start.
Can Wallarm protect non-API applications?
Yes, Wallarm includes full WAAP (Web Application and API Protection) capabilities that protect traditional web applications as well as APIs. However, organizations with primarily traditional web applications might find the API-specific features less relevant and could consider more traditional WAF options.
Ready to try Wallarm API Security Platform?
Start with the free tier and upgrade as you grow.