In the last decade, millions have used the Web to communicate and conduct business with their customers. This includes the use of web-based applications that store and collect data including customer information provided through content management systems, shopping carts inquiries or submit forms and login fields.
Because board software features these applications are internet-connected and are often accessible from any location in the world, they are susceptible to attacks that exploit weaknesses in the application’s infrastructure. SQL injection attacks which exploit weaknesses within databases, can cause damage to databases that contain sensitive information. Attackers may also use a foothold gained by breaching a Web application to find and gain access to other, more vulnerable systems on your network.
Other typical Web attack types include Cross Site Scripting attacks (XSS) that exploit weaknesses in the web server to inject malicious code into web pages, and which executes as an infected program in the victim’s browser. This lets attackers obtain confidential information or to redirect users to phishing websites. XSS attacks are most prevalent on message boards, blogs and web forums.
Hackers band together to overwhelm websites by sending more requests than the website can handle. This can cause the web site to slow down or even stop functioning altogether in a way that hinders the ability of the site to process requests and render it inaccessible for all users. DDoS attacks can be devastating to small businesses, like local restaurants or bakeries that rely on their websites for operations.