There are several ways attackers can target Web applications (websites that allow you to interact directly with software via the browser) to steal confidential information, introduce malicious codes, or take over your computer. These attacks exploit weaknesses in components such as web applications such as content management systems, web applications and web servers.
Web app attacks account for an enormous portion of security threats. In the last decade attackers have honed their ability to identify and exploiting vulnerabilities which impact application perimeter defences. Attackers can evade the most common defenses using techniques such as phishing, social engineering, and botnets.
A phishing scam involves tricking victims into clicking a email link that contains malware. The malware is then downloaded to the victim’s PC and gives attackers access to computers or devices. Botnets are a group of compromised or infected devices that attackers use for DDoS attacks and spreading malware, sustaining fraud through ads, and much more.
Directory (or path) traversal attacks exploit patterns of movement to gain access to files on a website, its configuration files and databases. In order to protect against this kind of attack requires the right input sanitization.
SQL injection attacks attempt to attack databases that store important information about a service or website by injecting malicious codes that allow it to obfuscate and reveal information that it wouldn’t normally disclose. Attackers can then run commands, dump databases and more.
Cross-site scripting attacks (or XSS), insert malicious code on a trusted site to hijack the browsers of users. This allows attackers to access session cookies and private information, impersonate users, manipulate content and more.