Hackers are skilled and malicious cyber attackers always looking to commit the next US crime. These attacks target websites, impersonate users, can completely shut down your site and millions of personal data can be stolen in one quick movement. Feroot, CX Security and Privacy, a company that provides client-side security tools for front-end applications, suggests that awareness of the website vulnerabilities companies face is the first important step to avoid being attacked. Read on for a description of the most common attacks to be aware of.
SQL Injections
In an SQL injection attack, a hacker will create application code in an attempt to access or corrupt a database. Once the attacker obtains access to the database, they are able to create or delete the data stored there. They can also alter or update it. Hackers use the SQL injection very frequently against unprotected databases.
Cross-Site Scripting
Hackers will use a cross-site scripting attack to target the users of a web application. They do this by injecting a client-side script into the application’s output. Once successfully launched, this attack causes the application to execute the way the hacker wants it to. The attacker can now execute those scripts right in the user’s browser. With this control, they can hijack the users’ sessions, make changes to the website, or send the user to a malicious site.
Cross-Site Request Forgery
Another malicious attack is a cross-site request forgery, when a hacker manipulates a user into performing an unintended action. Attackers use this tactic to target the email, social media, and online banking accounts of a site’s users. They do this by sending a third-party request that a user has already logged onto. Since the user has already been authenticated, the attacker now has complete access and can perform any action that the user can.
Insecure Direct Object References
An insecure direct object reference involves the use of internal implementation objects, which are files, directories, and database records or keys. If a web-based application exposes a reference to an internal implementation object, a hacker can manipulate it to access a user’s sensitive personal data.
Broken Authentication
It is of the utmost importance to protect a user’s login credentials. Failure to do so can lead to a broken authentication attack. This is when a hacker can login to a site and assume the identity of a user. Once they have that access, the attacker can manipulate the user’s account in any way they choose.
Session Management
If a session ID is exposed, often in the URL, the hacker can use that ID to take control of a user’s session. As in a broken authentication attack, the hacker can take on the user’s identity and have complete access and control of the user’s personal data.
Security Misconfiguration
When the administrator of a website pays insufficient attention or fails to properly maintain the site, it can cause a security misconfiguration. A hacker can then use this misconfiguration to gain access to private data and can completely compromise a system.
Hackers are ready, willing, and able to take advantage of any vulnerability in your company’s website. It is essential to know what the most vulnerabilities are and how they work. The first step to protection is knowledge. The next is to ensure every aspect of your website is secure and protect against these types of attacks.