Website and data security are things that understandably have been talked about a lot in the media. From the likes of Yahoo, Google, Ticketmaster down to Neopets and thousands of smaller data leaks that don't make it to the news. Hardly a week goes by without a new data leak disclosure being made public or a large website going offline to a DDoS attack.
In this article I'm going to open a few ideas and dispel a few myths surrounding website security.
The reality is that most data breaches are not the result of some tireless hacker, plugging away at a website, using cunning and ingenuity to guess passwords and finding vulnerabilities in API's. Like most things in movies, and TV shows (looking at you Mr. Robot), the reality is far less exciting.
Here's how these attacks usually go:
Usually, an attack on a website is not personal but of course the more sensitive the data, the more it's worth. Government agencies, city websites, healthcare providers, companies and countries engaged in controversial topics... are all at risk for more tailored attacks and should prepare accordingly.
As described above most of the work is automation, it's scanning, trying new things. Connecting data and methods together that ordinarily wouldn't be used in that way. This makes it all sound technical and a lot of work, but the reality again, is that most hacks are the result of basic security oversights.
It's not usually a sophisticated hacker targeting your website. It's a bot trying known tactics such as:
In the case of Vastaamo, the database server URL was found on Google and it's suspected that the username and password were defaults (think username: admin, password: password). Hardly a master hacker at work there, but someone who was curious enough to test it out (and later convicted for extortion, blackmail and aggravated data breach among others).
As outlined above, hacks are not usually personal. You don't have to have large databases of user data, credit cards or social security numbers for your site to be targeted. Pen-testing is a great way for larger entities to audit their applications and server security.
For many sites and companies, pen testing is overkill, and it can be enough having a trusted partner who will take care of the following things.
By taking a pro-active approach, the risk of intrusion and damage can be minimized, although never entirely removed.
Final Thoughts
Any website can be a target for attacks, and vulnerabilities in systems are often found in the most fundamental areas. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, the risk of breaches and damages can be significantly reduced – though it can never be completely eliminated.
At Knowit, we take cybersecurity seriously and consider it a crucial aspect of maintaining online services. We strive to stay ahead of ever-evolving security threats, which is why our teams continuously focus on developing technical skills, increasing awareness, improving maintenance efficiency, and supporting our clients in preparing for future cybersecurity challenges.