A Comprehensive Framework for protecting websites

Website security is a crucial aspect of maintaining an online presence, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring the trust of users. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, it is essential to develop a robust security framework that addresses potential vulnerabilities and ongoing threats. This blog will outline a framework for securing a website and define common attacks that websites face today.

Known website Security Incidents with Indian firms

1. Zivame: In 2020, Zivame experienced a significant data breach where sensitive customer information, including email addresses and passwords, were leaked online due to inadequate security measures.

2. Bigbasket: In 2020, Bigbasket faced a data breach affecting over 20 million users. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in their database security, leading to unauthorized access to personal information.

3. Myntra: Myntra reported a security breach in 2021 where hackers accessed customer data through an SQL injection attack.

How are websites compromised?-Code Injection attacks

Code injection attacks consist of an attacker injecting malicious code into a vulnerable computer or network to change its course of action. There are multiple types of code injection attacks:

Type	Description
SQL Injection attack	A SQL Injection attack leverages system vulnerabilities to inject malicious SQL statements into a data-driven application, which then allows the hacker to extract information from a database. Hackers use SQL Injection techniques to alter, steal or erase application's database data.
Cross Site Scripting (XSS)	Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a code injection attack in which an adversary inserts malicious code within a legitimate website. The code then launches as an infected script in the user’s web browser, enabling the attacker to steal sensitive information or impersonate the user. Web forums, message boards, blogs and other websites that allow users to post their own content are the most susceptible to XSS attacks.
Malvertising attacks	Malvertising attacks leverage many other techniques, such as SEO poisoning, to carry out the attack. Typically, the attacker begins by breaching a third-party server, which allows the cybercriminal to inject malicious code within a display ad or some element thereof, such as banner ad copy, creative imagery or video content. Once clicked by a website visitor, the corrupted code within the ad will install malware or adware on the user’s computer.
Data poisoning	Data poisoning is a type of cyberattack in which an adversary intentionally compromises a training dataset used by an Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning model to manipulate the operation of that model. When dataset is manipulated during the training phase, the adversary can introduce biases, intentionally create erroneous outputs, introduce vulnerabilities, or otherwise influence predictive capabilities of the model.

Framework for Securing a Website

To effectively secure a website, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Regular Security Audits: Conduct frequent assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.

2. Input Validation and Sanitization: Always validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent XSS and SQL injection attacks.

3. Use of HTTPS: Secure your website with HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between the user and the server.

4. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy WAFs to filter and monitor HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet.

5. Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including plugins and libraries, up to date to mitigate vulnerabilities.

6. User Education: Inform users about safe online practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts

As cyber threats continue to evolve, implementing a comprehensive security framework is vital for protecting websites from attacks. By understanding common vulnerabilities and learning from past incidents like those involving Zivame, Bigbasket, and Myntra, organizations can better prepare themselves against potential threats and safeguard their users' sensitive information.