A reverse proxy is the best answer because it sits in front of a web application and brokers client access to the site. For a public website, a reverse proxy can enforce secure HTTPS access, hide the origin server, terminate TLS, apply filtering rules, and block traffic from known malicious networks before requests reach the web server. This is especially relevant after website defacement, which often involves weaknesses in exposed web services or poor control of public-facing access. A next-generation firewall can block traffic and inspect applications, but it is broader network infrastructure and not as directly suited to front-ending a public website. IPSec gateways are for encrypted tunnels, not broad public web access. An access control server handles authentication, not site shielding.

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