If you consider outrageous graffiti on your building facade as an act of vandalism, here is the digital version of the very same thing as your website represents the virtual facade of your business and public reputation. Read this article to learn more about this tricky attack, existing techniques, what motivates attackers, and how to protect your business and image.

What is website defacement

Website defacement, also known as web defacement or just defacement attack, is a kind of attack in which attackers gain unauthorized access to your website for multiple purposes leading to alterations in its visual appearance, content, or functionality.

Defacers (that’s what these attackers are usually called) use this attack to display fake or misleading information, inappropriate content, or politically charged messages. They always seek publicity and social attention, and their activity is often related to hacktivism, hacking skills demonstration, causing harm to businesses and their reputation, etc.

What’s the matter

Two main attack vectors facilitate this intrusion: unauthorized access to the Content Management System (CMS) or the web server.

In CMS-based attacks, threat actors typically exploit leaked credentials or vulnerabilities that enable credential acquisition. This gives defacers control over specific websites governed by the compromised CMS, allowing them to manipulate content. Moreover, CMS access can be an initial point to infiltrate the web server, often through the uploading of web shells via the compromised CMS.

Defacers can not only modify website content but also inject malicious code, such as JS sniffers. These codes are engineered to collect data filled by users into online forms, harvesting credentials, financial data, and other sensitive information.

The implications of these attacks can extend beyond content defacement. In instances where web servers share administrative oversight or connectivity with internal servers, the attack risks escalate. Shared credentials or interconnected systems can be exploited, paving the way for a more scaled cyber attack.

Additionally, the success of underground markets has accelerated the process for potential defacers, especially hacktivists. These illicit marketplaces offer pre-compromised CMS access or web shells, eliminating the need for attackers to compromise the systems on their own.

Besides, another popular technique exploited by defacers is using bots to automate scanning a large number of websites for vulnerabilities, and once it’s discovered – they proceed to the compromise and defacement.

Protection measures to undertake against defacement

Here is a checklist of vital measures you have to consider if you want to protect your website from this type of attack:

  • Make regular backups: store backups both on-site and off-site to ensure you can quickly restore your website after a defacement.
  • Make sure that your CMS is not accessible from the internet and regularly update all plugins, themes, and extensions.
  • Regularly update web-server backend software to prevent exploitation with common CVEs.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): configure a WAF to inspect incoming traffic, block malicious requests and attempt to exploit vulnerabilities.
  • Start searching for your publicly facing shadow IT assets to uncover potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by threat actors.
  • Limit your exposure by disabling unnecessary services that are not in use and do not use default URLs for login or admin panels.
  • Consider the emergence of underground markets that have simplified the attack process for potential intruders, including hacktivists. Keep an eye on the current cyber threat landscape.
  • Implement geofencing during the active phase of an attack.
  • Don’t forget bot, brute force, and account takeover protection measures.

How Group-IB can help

Here are the Group-IB solutions that are conceived to help you fortify your defenses and help companies fully grasp the groundbreaking cybersecurity opportunities advanced solutions can bring.

Group-IB Fraud Protection suggests the patented anti-bot technology to detect all types of bot attacks such as brute force attacks or account takeovers (ATOs).

Group-IB Attack Surface Management helps your organization identify perils and vulnerabilities in your current infrastructure and provides a complete view of your company’s digital footprint.

Group-IB Threat Intelligence offers a customized threat landscape dashboard and monitors any mentions of your company on the dark web giving you an opportunity to track threat actors targeting your business.