How to Defend Against Code Injection Attacks

We don’t need to remind you that cyber threats lurk around every corner.? For good reason, it’s a drum that IT support companies pound on repeat.? Whilst there is a lot of talk about phishing, there isn’t a lot of ink committed to the code injection attack.

The title alone sounds frightening enough.? So, let’s delve into what these attacks are, how they work, and most importantly, how your business can fortify your defences.

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What is a Code Injection Attack?

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Imagine a thief sneaking into your home through a harmless back door.? However, instead of stealing your priceless porcelain, they replace your cooker with one that leak noxious gas into your house.?

OK, that might be an extreme example.? However, cyber-ne’er-do-wells exploit vulnerabilities in your website or security to inject their own code into the system.? This code then executes on your system, potentially wreaking untold havoc.

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Types of Code Injection Attacks:

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There are various flavours of code injection attacks, but some of the most common in the UK include:

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SQL Injection: Hackers target website databases, aiming to steal sensitive data or manipulate information.

XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): Malicious code is injected into web pages, potentially hijacking user sessions or stealing data.

Command Injection: Attackers inject code that tricks the server into executing harmful commands on your system.

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Why Be Wary?

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The UK’s robust digital infrastructure and thriving online economy makes all small businesses a prime target for cyberattacks.?? There are many motives for hackers to inject code into websites.? A single successful code injection attack can have devastating consequences, leading to:

Data Breaches: Sensitive customer or financial information could be stolen and sold on the dark web.

Website Defacement: Hackers can take control of your website, displaying malicious content or disrupting operations.

System Damage: Injected code can damage your servers or IT infrastructure, causing significant downtime and financial losses.

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Building Your Defences: How to Stay Secure

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As sophisticated as these cyberattacks are, a code injection attack is not undefendable.? Here are some steps you can take to make sure your defences are suitable fortified:

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Input Validation: Rigorously validate all user-submitted data to ensure it conforms to expected formats and doesn't contain malicious code.

Use Prepared Statements: When working with databases, leverage prepared statements that prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Regular Security Updates: Keep your software, website platforms, and content management systems updated with the latest security patches.

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Consider deploying a WAF that acts as a shield, filtering out malicious traffic before it reaches your website.

Security Awareness Training: Educate your staff on common cyber threats and best practices for secure online behaviour.

By following these security best practices, UK businesses can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to code injection attacks. Remember, a proactive approach is essential to safeguarding your valuable data and maintaining a strong online presence.

For more information, or to discuss how we can help protect you from code injection attacks call us on 01327 300 311, or email [email protected] with your enquiry.