What Is Web Attack and How Does It Affect Your Business?
In the past decade, millions of people have used the Web to communicate and conduct business with their customers. This includes the use of web-based apps which collect and store information, including customer information submitted through content management systems, shopping carts inquiry or submit forms, and login fields.
Because these applications are internet-connected and are often accessible from any location in the world, they are at risk for hacking attempts that exploit vulnerabilities in the application’s infrastructure. SQL injection attacks that exploit weaknesses in databases, could compromise databases that contain sensitive information. Attackers can also leverage an advantage gained through hacking a Web application to identify and gain access to other, more vulnerable systems on your network.
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a different Web attack type. This exploits vulnerabilities in web servers to inject malicious code into web pages. The script is then executed in the victim’s web browser. This allows attackers to steal private information, or redirect users to phishing websites. Web forums, message boards, and blogs are especially vulnerable to XSS attacks.
Hackers join forces to overwhelm websites by sending more requests than the website can handle. This can cause a website’s performance to suffer or even cease to function completely. This affects the ability to process requests, rendering it unusable for everyone. DDoS attacks can online data room for business be devastating to small businesses like local bakeries or restaurants that depend on their websites for operations.