What techniques do hackers use in watering hole attacks? Web browsers can be vulnerable to web-borne exploits because they usually indiscriminately download code from websites to local computers and devices. If all goes well, the target’s browsers download and run the malicious software from the website. With the watering hole ready, the attackers wait for the malware to do its work. These exploit kits are particularly useful when focusing on an organization. For more targeted attacks, the threat actors may also use exploit kits that allow them to infect visitors with specific IP addresses. Such code may exploit web technologies like ActiveX, HTML, JavaScript, images, and more to compromise browsers. The hackers inject the website with web-borne exploits to infect their targets. Sometimes they do both - compromise a legitimate website so that it leads targets to a bogus one. Alternatively, the attackers may create a malicious website clone. The cybercriminals analyze the list of websites for domain and subdomain weaknesses they can exploit. At the end of this phase, the cybercriminals have a website shortlist of targets to use for a watering hole cyberattack. Sometimes, common knowledge is a big help. Common tools for intelligence gathering include search engines, social media pages, website demographic data, social engineering, spyware, and keyloggers. The threat actor gathers intelligence by tracking their target’s web browsing habits. The attacks require meticulous execution in all four of the following phases: 1. Alternatively, the attacker can lure victim(s) to a website they create. How do watering hole attacks work?Ī watering hole attack is when cyber criminals attack individuals, cohorts, or organizations on a website they frequent, using skills like hacking and social engineering.
It’s a similar concept in cybersecurity, except, instead of big cats and gazelles, it is hackers stalking computer users on the web. With their guard down, they’re easier prey for hunters such as lions. In the wild, a watering hole is a natural depression of water where thirsty animals come to drink. Whether you’re talking about cybersecurity or the jungle, a watering hole attack is when threat actors strike their targets where they congregate.
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