How does a WAF handle encrypted traffic (HTTPS)?

To inspect encrypted traffic, a WAF decrypts the HTTPS traffic, analyzes it, and then re-encrypts it before forwarding it to the destination server. This process, known as SSL/TLS termination or offloading, allows the WAF to act as a "man-in-the-middle" with trusted certificates, enabling it to inspect the data for malicious content. However, this process requires proper configuration and certificate management to ensure security and avoid disrupting the encrypted communication between users and the web application.