A web attack is a technique to exploit weaknesses in websites or parts of it. The attacks can involve the web application, content or server of a website. Websites can provide numerous opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, or create malicious content.
Attackers usually look for weaknesses in the structure or content of a website to steal data, control the website or harm users. Some of the most common attacks include brute force attacks as well as cross-site scripting (XSS) and attacks to upload files. Other attacks are carried out by social engineering, like phishing, and malware attacks that include trojans, ransomware or spyware.
The majority of website attacks focus on the web application. This is the software and hardware used by websites to display information to visitors. A hacker can attack an application on the web by exploiting its weaknesses, which include SQL injection, cross-site request forgery and reflection-based XSS.
SQL injection attacks target databases that web applications use to store and distribute content. These attacks could expose a variety of sensitive information, including passwords, account logins and credit card numbers.
Cross-site scripting attacks rely on the flaws of a website’s code to display illegal images or text, take over session details, and redirect visitors to phishing websites. Reflective XSS lets an attacker execute arbitrary code.
A man-in-the-middle attack happens when an external party interferes with the communications between you and your web server. The attacker can modify the messages or spoof certificates, alter DNS responses and others. This is a highly effective method to alter your online activities.
