Cloudflare's Rate Limiting is a robust security solution designed to protect websites, APIs, and applications from various forms of abuse and attacks. It offers granular control over traffic, allowing businesses to identify and mitigate high-precision layer 7 attacks, brute force login attempts, and traffic surges. The service helps maintain optimal performance and security while avoiding unpredictable costs associated with traffic spikes.

Key Features

Granular Configuration Customize protection based on specific parameters

• Configure rate limits based on status codes, URLs, and request methods
• Set custom thresholds for different types of requests

Advanced Mitigation Options Flexible responses to suspicious activity

• Implement challenges, CAPTCHAs, or custom response codes
• Apply timeouts or blocking for traffic exceeding defined limits

IP-based and Advanced Rate Limiting Tailored protection for different scenarios

• IP-based limiting for unauthenticated endpoints and repeat offenders
• Advanced limiting for API protection and authenticated session abuse

Real-time Analytics Monitor and analyze traffic patterns

• Track malicious traffic blocked by each rule
• Measure the number of requests reaching your origin

Benefits

Enhanced Security Comprehensive protection against various threats

• Defend against denial-of-service attacks and brute force attempts
• Mitigate volumetric attacks targeting APIs and applications

Cost Control Avoid unexpected expenses due to traffic spikes

• No additional charges during volumetric attacks
• Protect against enumeration attacks that could inflate costs

Improved Performance Maintain optimal application responsiveness

• Prevent resource exhaustion from abusive traffic
• Ensure legitimate users have consistent access to services