What are the 7 common Web Security Threats for an Enterprise?

It doesn't matter if an enterprise is small or large; they are always the target of cybercriminals who want to steal important data and resources from them. Hence, it is always important for an enterprise to know some common web security threats targeted against them to ensure better prevention procedures. 

Some of these web security threats are as simple as a phishing attack, and others are as sophisticated as Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS). Nevertheless, this article explains some of the common web security threats an organization will face. 

1. Weak/Compromised Passwords 

Weak and compromised passwords are one of the major factors that breach enterprise data security at the browser level. Weak passwords are one of the most basic means hackers use to get into the important resources of an organization. 

Despite the simplicity, there are still many organizations that use passwords to protect sensitive files and data. For instance, there are some organizations where their employees use something as basic as their names or birthday dates as passwords. 

This shouldn't be so. For instance, if an employee or an enterprise uses something like "20June1995" as their password, there are chances of hackers guessing them. On the other hand, using something like "&78hdhYTL=^%):O53$q24/" will make it incredibly hard to guess. Something as simple as this can make a huge difference in preserving an organization's data from cybercriminals. Even with a strong password like this, it should be changed often to prevent any compromise. 

Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection:

Structured Query Language (SQL) injection is one of the most prominent cyber threats organizations face in their enterprises. To understand this type of attack, you must first know the meaning of Structured Query Language (SQL). 

The Structured Query Language (SQL)  is a type of programming language that helps in search and query processes. To understand better, remember when you log in and input a password, it uses the Structured Query Language (SQL) to streamline every process. 

Hackers have found a loophole within the Structured Query Language (SQL), which allows them to get access to sensitive data. Note that this is not only about login details. Things like financial information such as credit and debit card details and insurance details can be stolen using these attacks. This type of attack is mostly used in WordPress attacks where employee and customer logins and other financial information can be stolen. 

Phishing Attacks 

Phishing attacks are one of the oldest methods of stealing information on the internet, but it is still as effective as possible. Apparently, cybercriminals over the years have refined their methods of launching a phishing attack. It is no longer sending emails with malicious links; they are now engaged in more sophisticated techniques like creating a cloned website to carry out its attacks. 

Phishing is simply when a hacker poses to be what they are not for the purpose of getting important or sensitive information. For instance, the cybercriminal here might pose to be an important person in the company, such as the project manager or another executive. 

They usually request important information; it is only after providing such information that employees notice the phishing attack. The best practice for stopping this type of attack is to avoid opening unknown emails, links and verification before providing any information. 

Cross-site Scripting

Cross-site scripting is another form of sophisticated attack that an employee or an executive might not even notice until the end. In most cases, preventing this type of attack will require an organization to install important web security solutions such as LayerX. 

Cross-site scripting, which is also known as an XSS attack, allows cybercriminals to launch malicious scripts on an enterprise website. Apparently, this enables them to steal many things, such as customer information and organizational resources. 

When this type of attack happens, the cybercriminal in question can access the login credentials of an internal employee. Then, they use these credentials and rights associated with such employees to steal data and resources. 

Ransomware

As the name suggests, ransomware is a form of web security threat that takes important data and resources hostage until an organization pays a certain amount of money. This type of attack usually starts with the attacker installing malware into the computer containing an organization's files and data. To install this type of malware, they usually do it using things like malicious links, attachments, and drive-by downloads. 

Once this malware is downloaded, the next thing is usually malware to take hostage of the files in the enterprise system. Taking this file hostage is usually by encrypting all the organization's files and requiring some payment before releasing them. 

Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS) Cyber Threat 

The Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is another sophisticated web threat that involves web traffic as the pivotal strategy for a successful attack. To carry out this type of attack, cybercriminals usually drive massive amounts of fake web traffic to a website. The major purpose of this is to crash down an organization's website. Once they have achieved this, it gives them the opportunity to steal important data and make a business lose revenue. 

Insider Threats 

Insider threats are one of the most effective and efficient methods of attacking the web security of an organization. The worst part of this type of attack is that it doesn't even require a lot of trouble, as it is mostly carried out by those who have authorized access to the organization. For instance, an employee working for an enterprise can willingly provide access to important data or resources to hackers. In most cases, they get rewards from these cybercriminals, which are usually cash incentives. 

Since it is an insider threat, an organization will have to prevent this by beefing up its security and verification process. Adding a multi-factor authentication method before accessing any file will be key. Furthermore, constant monitoring of employee activities will be effective so as to detect unusual behavior in the early stages. To achieve all this, the addition of a sophisticated web security solution such as LayerX will help monitor and detect malicious activities from employees.

Conclusion

Above is a comprehensive overview of some of the common web security threats an organization faces from operating online. Some of these attacks are simple yet efficient in helping cybercriminals access data from an organization. 

Some examples of these web attacks are phishing, Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS), ransomware, weak passwords, and many others. For any enterprise, preventive measures must be taken to prevent attacks like this from happening.