SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

Secure Web Application Architecture

This secure web application architecture makes the main control points visible. Users enter through a combined web-application firewall and single-sign-on boundary, then reach the web application or API. Both services use an encrypted database, and the edge boundary writes to an audit log. It is appropriate for an early security review because it distinguishes the public entry point, application services, persistent data and audit evidence without claiming to be a full network design.

UPDATED 2026-09-24
EXAMPLESecure Web Application Architecture
Make this diagram your own.

Open it in the AI editor with a prompt pre-filled — keep what works, change what doesn't.

CASE ANALYSIS

Scenario

Reviewing the security boundary of a customer-facing application.

Key decisions

  • Edge controls: Place WAF and SSO before application traffic.
  • Service split: Show the web app and API separately.
  • Data protection: Mark the application database as encrypted.
  • Audit trail: Send edge activity to an audit log.

When to reuse this

Use this as a first security architecture view before a detailed threat model.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What should a secure web architecture show?01
Show the public entry point, identity controls, application services, data stores and audit or monitoring path.
Why put WAF and SSO at the edge?02
They provide a clear control point before requests reach the application.
What is an audit log for?03
It records security-relevant activity for investigation and operational review.
Open this example in the editor →

Tweak it with chat, export PNG/SVG, or fork it for your own use case.