Which of the following is a common website attack that allows a hacker to deface a website?
What is Website Defacement Prevention?Website defacement happens when hackers access a website and leave pictures or messages across the site, thus defacing it. Simply put, the hacktivists replace the content on your site with the content of their choice. Show
The content may contain political or religious messages or other unseemly content that would be embarrassing to the site owners. Hacktivists may also leave a notice to the effect that they are now in control of the website. Why Are Websites Defaced?There are a variety of reasons why hacktivists deface a website. Some of these reasons include the following: 1. Political Ideologies The hacktivists want to protest against certain political views or governments that a website may be associated with. They deface the site by replacing the content with images or messages that communicate their ideas.
2. For Fun Some may hack your website for the sheer fun of it or just because they can. They search for vulnerabilities that they then use to mock the site owners. They may leave a message or image on the site to deride the owners. Website owners experience some damage in either case. There is considerable damage to the reputation of the website. Users may be reluctant to visit again as they feel your website is vulnerable. Many websites and web applications keep their data in configuration files. These affect the content presented on the website or indicate where content and templates can be found. Abrupt changes to these files may signal an attack by hackers. Causes of Website Defacement AttacksThese include the following:
Damage to a website can be long-lasting as the buzz caused does not die down with the removal of the injurious content. Website Defacement PreventionThere are some measures you can put in place to protect your website from hacktivists. These measures would help to reduce the chances of virtual graffiti on your website. Here are some of the measures. 1. The Principle of Least Privilege (POLP) POLP helps you to reduce the number of people that have access to your website. This helps to reduce the chances of some nefarious internal users from compromising your website. Do not allow everyone, even on your staff, to have access to your site. Only allow access to those that need it. Allow certain individuals only the privileges that they need to perform their tasks. Once they have completed the tasks, revoke their privileges. 2. Reduce use of Add-ons and Plugins Unchecked use of add-ons and plugins increases your site’s vulnerabilities. Upgrades are not always immediate and this compromises the security of your site. 3. Limit Error Messages on the Site Do not show detailed error messages on your website. They expose weaknesses to a hacker which can help them attack your site. 4. Reduce File Uploads Reduce file uploads to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your internal systems. Run virus scans on any files uploaded by your users and limit executable permissions for the same. 5. Enable SSL/TLS Enable SSL/TLS on all website pages to ensure that all interaction with users is encrypted. Advanced Website Defacement Prevention MeasuresPrevention is better than cure. Nevertheless, even the best measures may still fail to completely secure your website. Experts can help you secure your site further with the following advanced solutions: 1. Regular Scans for Vulnerabilities Run regular scans on your site and make the necessary adjustments immediately. While it takes time and interferes with site functionality, it is the best way to boost security. It significantly reduces the chances of defacement. 2. Prevent SQL injection Prevent regular expressions by sanitizing your inputs. This also helps to prevent characters that hackers may use to inject code into your internal systems. 3. Defend against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) XSS allows a hacker to embed scripts on your web page. These execute when a visitor loads the page resulting in possible defacement. You can prevent XSS by:
4. Bot Management Many defacement attacks are caused by bots used by hackers to scan multiple websites for vulnerabilities. Once they discover a vulnerability, they compromise and deface the site immediately. Bot management technology utilizes approaches such as the following to diminish bad bots:
With these approaches, it is possible to detect bad bots and diminish their access to your site. ConclusionYou must ensure your website’s security. Limit access to your site by ensuring that only those need access have it. Also, engage experts such a cWatch to enhance your website’s security. website protection Web Page Monitor What is the most common type of attacks used on websites?Most Common Types of Web Attacks
Below are some of the most common: Cross-site scripting (XSS). That involves an attacker uploading a piece of malicious script code onto your website that can then be used to steal data or perform other kinds of mischief.
Why do attackers deface websites?As we mentioned, defacing a website is unlike other forms of computer crime. The goal of the attacker is to make as much noise as they can. Sometimes, they'll do this purely for the "fun" of it or to increase their online credibility.
What is a website attack called?A cyber attack is any type of offensive action that targets computer information systems, infrastructures, computer networks or personal computer devices, using various methods to steal, alter or destroy data or information systems.
What are the common cyber attacks which can be used by hackers to damage network?Jump to:. Malware.. Phishing.. SQL Injection Attack.. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Denial of Service (DoS). Session Hijacking and Man-in-the-Middle Attacks.. Credential Reuse.. |