What is Web Attack?
There are numerous ways that attackers can attack web applications (websites which allow you to connect to software using browsers) to steal confidential data, introduce malicious code, and even take over your PC or device. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications, such as such as content management systems, web applications and web servers.
Web app attacks comprise an overwhelming portion of security threats. Over the last 10 years attackers have refined their skills in finding and exploiting vulnerabilities that can affect application perimeter defenses. Attackers can circumvent the most defenses with techniques like phishing, botnets and social engineering.
Phishing attacks make victims click on an email that contains malware. The malware is downloaded to the computer, which allows attackers to take over devices or systems for additional purposes. Botnets are collections of compromised or infected devices used by attackers to carry out DDoS attacks and spreading malware, sustaining fraud through ads, and much more.
Directory traversal attacks utilize the use of movement patterns to gain access to files, configuration databases, and other files on web pages. To defend against this type of attack requires the right input sanitization.
SQL injection attacks are designed to target the database storing important information about a service or website by injecting malicious codes that allow it to override and reveal details that it would never normally disclose. Attackers can run commands, dump database and more.
Cross-site scripting (or XSS) attacks insert malicious code into a trusted site to hijack browsers of users. This allows attackers to access session cookies and private information, impersonate users or alter content, and many more.