What is Web Attack?

There are several ways attackers can target Web applications (websites which allow you to interact directly with software using browsers), to steal confidential information, introduce malicious codes, or hijack your computer. These attacks exploit weaknesses in components like web apps or content management systems. They also attack web servers.

Web app attacks constitute a large portion of all security threats. Over the last 10 years attackers have refined their skills in finding and exploiting vulnerabilities that affect the perimeter defenses of an application. Attackers are able to bypass the common defenses by employing techniques like botnets, phishing and social engineering.

Phishing attacks trick victims into clicking on an email link that contains malware. This malware is downloaded onto the victim’s PC and gives attackers access to systems or devices. Botnets are a group of compromised or infected devices that attackers use to conduct DDoS attacks and spreading malware, sustaining fraud through ads, and much more.

Directory (or path) traversal attacks leverage movement patterns to gain how to create a Virtual Working Space unauthorized access to files on the website, its configuration files as well as databases. Sanitizing inputs is essential to defend against this type of attack.

SQL injection attacks target databases that stores critical information about a service or website by injecting malicious code which allows it to bypass security controls and disclose information that normally would not. Attackers can execute commands, dump databases, and more.

Cross-site scripting (or XSS) attacks insert malicious code on a trusted site to hijack browsers of users. This allows attackers to access session cookies as well as confidential information, impersonate a user, manipulate content and more.