A web attack is an attempt to exploit weaknesses within a website, or parts of it. The attacks could involve the content of a website, a web application or server. Websites offer numerous opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorised access, obtain confidential information, or introduce malicious content.
Attackers typically look for weaknesses in the structure or content of a website to get access to data, take control of the website or cause harm to users. Common attacks include brute force attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and attacks to upload files. Other attacks are possible through social engineering, including malware attacks or phishing like ransomware trojans, worms, or spyware.
Most attacks on websites are directed at the web application. This is the hardware and software employed by websites to display information to visitors. Hackers can attack a web application through its weaknesses, including SQL injection, cross-site request forgery and reflection-based XSS.
SQL injection http://neoerudition.net/how-to-choose-the-best-antivirus-software attacks leverage the databases that web applications use to store and deliver web-based content. These attacks can expose sensitive data, such as passwords, account logins, and credit card numbers.
Cross-site scripting attacks exploit weaknesses in the code of web pages to display illegal images or text, take over session information, and then redirect users to phishing websites. Reflective XSS also allows attackers to execute arbitrary code.
A man-in the-middle attack occurs when an uninvolved third party intercepts communication between you and the web server. The third party is able to alter messages, spoof certificates as well as alter DNS responses, and other things. This is an extremely effective method to alter your online activities.
