Web applications are a common target for hackers. They provide access to valuable data and are relatively easy to hack. A successful attack can lead to serious consequences, be it financial losses, weakened brand image or distrust from customers. So let’s take a look at the typical cyber attacks your web application may be exposed to. Learning how web applications work and analyzing potential threats can help you develop and implement appropriate solutions.
Compared to other IT assets, web applications are particularly vulnerable to various types of attacks. They also contain information that is valuable to hackers, which customers voluntarily provide through content management systems, shopping carts, login fields, or contact forms. Hackers try to find security holes to steal data or create malicious URL redirects.
Web applications are also vulnerable to hacking because they are available 24 hours a day to provide services continuously. Cyber security should therefore be a priority for application owners and administrators.
Most common types of cyber attacks on web applications
Cybercriminals’ tactics are constantly evolving, but we can highlight a few of the most commonly used.
XSS attacks
Cross-Site Scripting (also known as XSS) attacks are a form of cyberattack on web applications, used to gain access to private information by delivering malicious code to end users via trusted websites. An XSS attack therefore targets the client, not the server. The attacker sends a piece of malicious JavaScript code to your application, which can then be used to steal data or cause other damage. The strategy is relatively uncomplicated, so it’s also quite common and can cause significant damage.
SQL injection
We can translate the name of this type of cyber attack as SQL injection. It involves sending malicious code to an input form in an application. If your systems don’t sanitize this information, it can be sent to the database, altering, deleting data or causing data leakage.
Fuzzing
Fuzz testing involves injecting a large amount of arbitrary data (fuzz) into an application to cause it to crash. In a similar way, developers perform tests to find bugs in code and vulnerabilities in software security. The best way to combat fuzzing attacks is to keep security up-to-date.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
Distributed denial of service (DDoS), or distributed denial of service, aims to overwhelm the server with multiple requests, making the site inaccessible to visitors. DDoS attacks often go hand-in-hand with other methods, and are designed only to distract security systems while exploiting a security vulnerability.
Web application security
Attacks on a web application can take many forms, and attackers can be both amateurs and professionals who support themselves with automation. While it is not possible to completely eliminate a potential attack on your site, you can at least minimize the risk and possible losses. However, because of the potential consequences, it is certainly not worth underestimating security when creating or managing a site.
If you care about creating a functional and, above all, secure web application – you have come to the right place! Feel free to contact us for details.