How to keep up with security threats

Much like residential security, cybersecurity needs to evolve and adapt— the larger the house, the more security measures are required to put off intruders. A two-bed terrace might only need a burglar alarm, while a larger detached property could make good use of a security camera set up too.

You can think of cybersecurity in a similar manner. As networks grow, devices evolve and applications are born, it’s important that we maintain adaptive mechanisms to cope with the collective threats facing cybersecurity.

Even when networks remain seemingly unchanged, it’s important we consider how third-party factors, such as the state of the world, could affect threat levels. For example, there is evidence to suggest that during times of uncertainty, cyber threats are more common because unstable climates, such as the global pandemic, give way to fear based decisions and behaviours.

When you pair this with the rise in workforces working from home, you have a recipe for disaster with a recent survey finding that 56% of senior IT technicians believe their employees have picked up bad cybersecurity habits while working from home.

Let’s consider an example of an employee desperate to get their Covid-19 vaccine. An email titled “Vaccine Fast Track” lands in their inbox. While these phishing emails might normally pass them by, with the current world situation it catches the employee’s eye and they click on it. Coupled with the chance that sensitive business information may have ended up on their personal laptop whilst working from home, you’ve potentially got a serious situation on your hands. While the applications and processes haven’t changed, these new circumstances could leave a business vulnerable.

Staying on top of this can be overwhelming and, as exciting as the ever-evolving tech landscape is, it can get overshadowed by looming cyber threat counterparts. The expansion of IoT for example means without additional precautions to ensure the safeguarding of information, data is put at risk.

So, to make life a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most common cybersecurity threats facing web developers today, along with the processes and technologies you need to consider to help you strengthen your cybersecurity defences.

1. SQL injections

SQL or Structured Query Language Injection is a technique that involves the input of malicious code into web databases, resulting in data distribution, modification, and potential deletion. As one of the most common web database attacks, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of this cyber threat and protect your data. Unless you’re using strict input data validation, you’ll be vulnerable to these attacks.

Find out more here: https://kinsta.com/blog/sql-injection/

2. Social engineering

Social engineering includes but isn’t limited to phishing emails and scareware which take advantage of fearful audiences. To avoid this, you could bring in Zero Standing Privileges which give a user a specific amount of time to access a document. Kind of like letting someone into a room for 10 minutes to view what’s inside before they have to leave and no longer have access. This makes it very hard for hackers to get their hands on sensitive data.

Find out more here: https://www.remediant.com/blog/introducing-zero-standing-privilege

3. Cross-site scripting

Cross-site scripting, or XXS vulnerability enables hackers to insert their own Java Script to your domain. The consequences of this can range from user accounts being hijacked to client computer credentials being obtained. In order to avoid this, make sure you sanitize your data. Typecast all data coming through your domain to make sure that it’s the right kind.

Find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/programming-foundations-web-security-2/sanitize-data

4. Ransomware

No one wants their data being held hostage at the cost of, well, huge sums of money – in some cases we’re talking millions. Save yourself the headache and know your vulnerabilities through rigorous system testing. It also helps if the individuals working with these systems day to day are aware of what to look out for so they can flag any concerns before it’s too late.

Find out more here: https://www.skillcast.com/blog/6-tips-reduce-ransomware-attack-risk

5. DDoS attacks

A DDoS or Distributed Denial of Service attack disrupts the flow of traffic to specific services, servers or networks. It’s especially relevant to ecommerce sites which tend to be key targets for these attacks due to the volume of users purchasing items and the sensitivity of information they share in doing so, such as bank details and addresses etc. DDoS attacks inhibit user experience and even full access to sites, resulting in businesses bleeding money. There are various ways to mitigate this risk, but the most effective measure is to use a platform that includes DDoS protection to help filter out cybercriminal junk traffic. If your hosting doesn't include it you can install add-ons like the Plesk control panel – you can install Plesk on all our servers and it comes with DDOS protection options available within the control panel.

Find out more here: https://www.corero.com/blog/7-tips-for-defending-your-network-against-ddos-attacks/

These are just a few of the top threats facing web developers right now and it’s important to keep in mind that as the tech landscape grows, these cyber threats will only increase in number and frequency. By protecting your systems today, you’ll be ensuring your best chances at catching out threats that may present themselves tomorrow.