2020 Top Threats Web Application Firewall Can Prevent

One of the most important aspects of website management in 2020 is the ability to stay ahead of the most critical vulnerabilities, security risks, and threats a web application firewall prevents.

There are a number of cyber-security threats and trends that are expected to emerge and have already started to emerge this year, which makes it of vital importance that companies have a web application firewall in place that is capable of dealing with evolving as well and established threats.

Top Threats in 2020 WAF Prevents

1. More Sophisticated Phishing

Phishing attacks, which use digital messages that have been carefully targeted to try and trick people into clicking links that have the capability of exposing sensitive information or installing malware, are getting more and more sophisticated.

The majority of employees in most companies are aware that it is not a good idea to click on links that look suspicious and to be cautious of email phishing, but this awareness is, in turn, making hackers increasingly cunning.

Hackers have been making use of machine learning to have credible-looking fraudulent messages quickly crafted and sent out in the hopes that an unwitting recipient will unknowingly compromise the systems and networks of their organization.

These attacks allow hackers to get hold of the likes of user logins and numerous forms of personal financial information such as credit card credentials, while also gaining access to secure databases.

2. Cloud Vulnerability

One of the biggest cyber-security challenges that organizations have always faced, and will continue to face in 2020 and beyond, is cloud vulnerability. Cloud vulnerability is such a challenge due to the fact that enterprises are increasingly leveraging cloud applications and using the cloud as a place to store sensitive information relating to both their business operations and their employees.

Old challenges are being exacerbated for companies by the widespread adoption of the cloud, in addition to many new ones being created. The good news, however, is that cloud vulnerability is also one of the threats a web application firewall prevents.

3. Patching Issues

Issues relating to patching can result in the opening of windows of exposure that can be used as points of entry by cyber-attackers. When a patch that has been released is lacking in the necessary efficiency, this tends to result in even more instances of patch bypass. However, WAF can help to have virtual patches shipped to websites automatically if any vulnerability in the current software is detected.

4. Injection

A code injection takes place when attackers send invalid data to a web app to try and make it do something it was not intended to do. The lack of data validation and sanitization that the web application uses is at the heart of the code injection vulnerability, which means that it can exist in nearly all kinds of technology.

Anything has the potential to be at risk of a code injection attack if it accepts parameters as a form of input.

The technology used by a website will determine the method by which code injection vulnerabilities can be prevented. A tailored web application firewall is one of the best ways to defend a website against what is otherwise a serious hazard to website owners.

5. The Evolution of Ransomware Strategies

Billions of dollars are lost by victims of ransomware attacks every year, with technologies being deployed by hackers that allow them to literally steal the databases of organizations or individuals and hold for ransom all of the data that they contain. The increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has helped to fuel the rise of ransomware attacks because they allow for the anonymous payment of ransom demands.

With organizations continuing to increase their focus on the construction of tougher defenses to prevent ransomware attacks, experts believe that wealthy individuals could be the next big target for hackers. However, ransomware attacks are one of the threats a web application firewall prevents by continuously monitoring websites and applications to spot and prevent such attacks.

6. Cyber-Threats Enhanced by AI

Almost all industries have experienced disruption as a result of AI and machine learning, and while AI has made a big impact in a generally positive manner, it can also be a handy tool for cyber-criminals.

The capabilities of AI that are used to spot and prevent cyber-attacks can unfortunately also be made use of to launch incredibly sophisticated cyber-attacks by hackers in the form of malicious software that is both complex and incredibly adaptive.

The next big threats in the field of cyber-security are strongly predicted to be AI fuzzing and machine learning, making it all the more important to ensure your firm has the best possible web application firewall in place.

The threats a web application firewall prevents are too numerous to mention, making it an invaluable tool. Contact Indusface to ensure your organization has the best available protection.

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