A type of cyber attack known as a “watering hole attack” targets user groups by infecting websites they frequently visit. Attackers try to infect the user’s computer with malware in order to access the network of the business or organisation.
The animal kingdom is where the term “watering hole attack” originated. In the wild, predators will wait at a watering well to ambush their prey. By breaching well-known consumer websites, cybercriminals who conduct opportunistic watering hole attacks for financial gain or to expand their botnet might accomplish their objectives.
Attackers using watering holes start by identifying a target and finding out about their online surfing patterns.Cybercriminals then start examining the list of websites for flaws and vulnerabilities at the domain and subdomain levels after they have found viable targets.
After gaining access to the target website, the attacker uses JavaScript or Hypertext Markup Language to insert a malicious code payload. The payload starts an exploit chain that infects the victim’s machine when they visit the hacked website.
These techniques are typically employed by cybercriminals in watering hole attacks, such as Cross-site scripting (XSS), which allows them to insert malicious scripts into the content of a website to reroute users to malicious websites.
SQL injection attacks are another tool that hackers might use to steal data.DNS spoofing is a technique used by attackers to direct targets to malicious websites.Malicious software installations on consumers’ devices that take place without their knowledge are known as drive-by-download attacks.
Malvertising is a typical strategy used by attackers to disseminate harmful malware over different websites.A zero-day exploit enables attackers to take advantage of a software flaw before the affected user becomes aware of it.
Users must use advanced malware analysis software that relies on machine learning to identify malicious activity on websites and emails in order to protect against watering hole attacks.Use email security solution that can perform dynamic malware analysis when users click on links in emails as well as during email delivery. Use web gateways to protect against drive-by downloads.
