There are many ways attackers can attack web applications (websites which allow you to interact with software using a browser) to steal confidential information, introduce malicious code, and hijack your computer or device. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities within components like web applications as well as content management systems and web servers.
Web app attacks comprise an overwhelming portion of security threats. In the past 10 years attackers have increased their capabilities in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities that impact the perimeter defenses of an application. Attackers can evade common defenses by employing techniques such as botnets, phishing and social engineering.
Phishing attacks make victims click on an email link containing malware. The malware downloads onto their computer, which enables attackers to steal systems or devices for different reasons. Botnets are a group of infected or compromised connected devices that attackers use to conduct DDoS attacks and spreading malware, sustaining fraud through ads, and much more.
Directory traversal attacks use movements patterns to gain unauthorised access to configuration files, files, databases, and files on the website. To protect yourself from this type of attack requires the proper sanitization of inputs.
SQL injection attacks seek to target the database storing crucial information about websites and services by injecting malicious code that allow it to bypass and reveal information that it wouldn’t normally divulge. Attackers are then able to execute commands that dump databases, as well as other.
Cross-site scripting attacks (or XSS), insert malicious code on a trusted website to take over the browsers of users. This allows attackers to access session cookies and confidential information, impersonate users to alter content, and more.
