There are many ways hackers could target web applications (websites that let you communicate with software via a browser) to steal private information, introduce malicious code, and even take over your PC or device. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications, such as and content management systems as well as web servers.

Web app attacks constitute an overwhelming portion of security threats. In the past 10 years attackers have honed their capabilities in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities that impact the perimeter defenses of an application. Attackers are able to bypass the common defenses by employing techniques like botnets, phishing and social engineering.

A phishing scam involves tricking victims into clicking an email link that has malware. This malware is downloaded onto their computer, which allows attackers to hijack devices or systems for other reasons. Botnets are networks of compromised and infected devices, which attackers use to launch DDoS attacks, spread malware, perpetuate fraud through ads, and more.

Directory (or path) traversal attacks leverage movement patterns to gain access to files on the website, its configuration files as well as databases. The need for input sanitization is to protect against this type attack.

SQL injection attacks seek to target the database storing important information about a service or website by injecting malicious code http://neoerudition.net/the-flexibility-of-virtual-data-room that permit it to override and reveal information that it wouldn’t normally divulge. Attackers can execute commands, dump database information and more.

Cross-site scripting (or XSS) attacks insert malicious code on a trusted site to take over users’ browsers. This allows attackers to steal session cookies and sensitive information and impersonate users, alter the content, and so on.