What is Website Vulnerabilities?
Learning about the most common web server vulnerabilities prevents your website from getting hacked because it allows you to perform website security measures immediately. Below, we will discuss the top five website vulnerabilities that leave a window open for hackers.
Top 5 Website Vulnerabilities That Hackers Exploit
#1. SQL Injection
An SQL injection is a result of adding untrusted inputs to the SQL query without validating them first. This allows hackers to insert malicious statements to control a web application database. Through an SQL injection, hackers can bypass a normal authentication to access, modify, and copy information. Therefore, they can change website contents and insert malicious elements on your website.
Solution: Parameterized Queries
To prevent an SQL attack, rewrite the code in a way that it cannot interfere with the SQL query. Vulnerable codes are often exploited by hackers, but by parameterizing queries, you prevent hackers from executing malicious commands within the database.
#2. Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-Site Scripting allows hackers to hack users’ information by inserting malicious commands on vulnerable websites. When the user visits an infected page, the malicious codes execute commands on the user’s web browser, allowing hackers to access the information stored on the browser. This attack will eventually result in your website getting blacklisted.
Solution: Sanitize Input
Cleansing user inputs before the outputs prevents XSS attacks, as it verifies if the data is valid. This way, you prevent your web application from processing malicious inputs. Input sanitation is difficult, but it must be done to prevent your website from getting hacked.
#3. Broken Authentication
Broken authentication results in session IDs getting stolen. When the connection where the information is transmitted from the web server to the user is unencrypted, hackers can intercept the information before it reaches the user’s end.
Solution 1: Encrypt Your Connection
Use SSL or VPN to encrypt your connection and protect sensitive information from getting exposed. Using SSL or VPN, the information sent to the user is in not plain text, preventing hackers from stealing it.
Solution 2: Require Strong Passwords
Set a standard for generating a password, as hackers can also crack users’ passwords using brute force. With the help of a hacking device, hackers can use auto-generated passwords to access users’ accounts. But by requiring a strong password on your website, brute force attacks can be prevented.
#4. System Misconfiguration
System misconfiguration may include outdated software, enabled default programs, and enabled debugging. Any of the examples mentioned can be exploited by hackers to hack your website.
Solution: Scan and Patch Unknown System Vulnerabilities
Run an automated scanner to discover system misconfiguration. This helps patch system vulnerabilities, preventing hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your website and web server.
#5. Insecure Direct Object References
Exposing internal objects to the user, such as files or database keys, is unsafe. You cannot always trust user input. If an authorization is not required, hackers can use the file name downloaded from your website to access your web server.
Solution: Enforce User Authorization
Validate authorization to your reference objects. Also, don’t rely on the information being transmitted from the user to the CGI parameter. As much as possible, store your information internally.
How to Prevent Website Vulnerabilities with Comodo cWatch?
If there’s effective website security software that can prevent your website from getting hacked, it’s Comodo cWatch. It works by scanning your website first for system vulnerabilities to patch the possible entry points of malware and malicious codes.
With advanced malware detection and removal tools, Comodo cWatch prevents cyber threats and attacks from your website. It can detect threats by logging and analyzing your data. It also uses your data to tailor your website security.
Comodo cWatch maintains your website by constantly monitoring it. Through the firewall, any unusual activities that may lead to potential cybersecurity issue will be quickly identified. Comodo cWatch filters web traffic and data transmission, preventing DDoS attacks. It also prevents SQL injections, brute-force attacks, and Cross-Site Scripting.
With Comodo cWatch, your website is maintained and monitored by our security experts, who provide real-time solutions if you ever encounter any issue. You never have to worry about backing up your website, because Comodo cWatch has secure storage that allows you to back up your content to recover it without any problem.
Conclusion
Website vulnerabilities are inevitable. However, you can prevent them by applying website security measures and using effective website security software. Keeping hackers and cyber threats out of your website is possible!
Contact us today to scan your PC for website vulnerabilities for free.
