Abstract: The proliferation of cyber threats has necessitated the evolution of web-based firewall systems to fortify digital infrastructures against increasingly sophisticated and malicious attacks. Traditional firewall mechanisms, while effective to some extent, have exhibited significant limitations in adapting to the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of modern cyber threats. These conventional systems primarily rely on predefined rules and static configurations, which are insufficient in the face of advanced threats such as zero-day exploits, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and other evolving attack vectors. To address these challenges and enhance cybersecurity measures, this research explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within web-based firewall systems.

This study investigates the role of AI algorithms, particularly focusing on machine learning (ML) and deep neural networks (DNN), in enhancing the efficacy of web-based firewalls. By leveraging the computational power of AI, these systems can autonomously analyze massive datasets, discern intricate patterns, and make real-time decisions to mitigate evolving cyber risks. AI-based firewalls can dynamically adapt to new threats by continuously learning from the data they process, thereby significantly improving their threat detection and response capabilities. This approach marks a substantial shift from traditional firewalls, which are inherently reactive and limited by their rule-based architecture.

AI empowers web-based firewalls to perform several critical functions more effectively. Proactive threat detection is one of the primary enhancements, where AI algorithms can identify potential threats before they can exploit vulnerabilities. Anomaly identification is another critical function, enabling the system to detect unusual patterns that may indicate malicious activity. Additionally, AI enables adaptive response mechanisms, allowing the firewall to automatically adjust its defenses based on the nature and severity of detected threats. This adaptability is crucial in maintaining robust security postures in an environment where cyber threats are continuously evolving.

Keywords: AI-Enhanced Firewalls, Dynamic Threat Detection, Zero-Day Exploit Mitigation, Intelligent Cyber- Defense Systems.

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11834