Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Globally, the VAR market for IT products is projected to exceed USD 11.8 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7.5%, potentially doubling by 2033. Within security software, where overall market spending is expected to surpass USD 200 billion, VARs(Value Added Resellers) play an outsized role by packaging products with services that help enterprises implement, manage, and get measurable outcomes from their technology investments.

For Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Web Application and API Protection(WAAP) services have become table stakes. Enterprises expect MSSPs to deliver continuous security-policy management, rapid patching, zero false positives, real-time responses to zero-days, and audit-ready compliance reporting. The challenge? Delivering all of this as a part of MSSP managed WAF service can quickly become a margin drain.

Penetration testing for eCommerce and retail has become critical as these industries face escalating cyber threats, making them prime targets for attackers seeking financial gain and sensitive customer data. According to IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.44 million.

Penetration testing for insurance firms has become a necessity as the sector faces a 309% surge in cyberattacks in H1 2025, compared to H1 2024. Attackers are no longer just after sensitive policyholder data; they are increasingly focused on disrupting core operations and undermining customer trust. With insurers handling massive volumes of personal and financial data, the stakes could not be higher. This heightened threat landscape makes penetration testing a necessity, not a checkbox.

The healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks. According to the Indusface State of Application Security H1 2025, exploit attempts on EMRs, test result dashboards, and online consultation platforms grew by 247%, highlighting the sector’s rising exposure. APIs and third-party integrations further expand the attack surface, giving adversaries more entry points to access sensitive patient data.

SaaS platforms power critical business processes such as HR, CRM, ERP, collaboration, and more. Their multi-tenant architecture, API-first design, and rapid release cycles make them uniquely vulnerable. A single vulnerability can compromise thousands of customers simultaneously. According to the Indusface State of Application Security – Global H1 2025, API attacks surged 104% YoY, with 13X more vulnerability exploits compared to websites.

“Managed WAF” often gets mistaken for a support contract or a few policy updates. In reality, it is an operational security service that should deliver measurable protection outcomes across onboarding, day-to-day monitoring, and incident response. This guide is vendor-agnostic. Use it to run a deeper evaluation, set clear expectations, and unlock the full value of a managed Web Application and API Protection program.

When CISOs and security teams evaluate a Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) platform, the conversation often starts and ends with technical capabilities. That focus is natural, but it does not reflect the full decision-making process in most enterprises. Security leaders may drive the evaluation, yet true adoption requires building consensus with finance and procurement teams who view the investment through a different lens.