How to protect websites from malware

Website servers are just as vulnerable to malware as PCs are. Cyber criminals use this to their advantage by infecting websites with malicious software that is then distributed over the whole website. Hackers can then use this infiltrated malware to obtain sensitive information.

By the time operators of infected websites have become aware of the malware, it is often too late. Search engines like Google may start threatening with sanctions, or you will receive complaints from affected visitors. Since most are malicious scripts, which are integrated into the original code of the website, they cannot be identified from the outside straightaway. The website seems to work as requested, but in reality it is actually functioning as an instrument for hackers with the help of Cross-SiteScripting (XSS).

If you use different applications when creating and maintaining your homepage, it can increase your susceptibility. Programs that are the most vulnerable are content management systems, blog, and forum software as well as e-commerce solutions. Many operators rely on open source software since it is free and can be adapted to your needs. The popularity of this software, and the fact that it is made up of thousands of codes from different programs, means it is often a target for hackers. Plugins for popular web applications are used as loopholes for malware.

The type of damage caused by infiltrated malware depends on the hacker’s motive. In some cases the hacker directly targets the operator, paralyzing the website or implementing false content. Criminals can go so far as to demand a ransom from the operator and threaten to stop the cyber attack only after the money has been paid. An infected website mostly means loss of traffic or sales for the operator.

The visitor’s trust is also put to the test since many malware websites harm the visitor or customer and not just the operator. In many cases the affected website is just the host for the harmful script as the integrated malicious code then finds its way onto the visitor’s PC via fake URLs. The code then automatically installs itself as long as the user’s security software does not prohibit it. Besides viruses, which harm the computer system, criminals also send spyware and keyloggers that collect information about the user. Worst case scenario is the theft of confidential information such as bank or address data or passwords.

As well as losing reputation and customers the website operator can also be hit with legal implications if the necessary safety measures are not adhered to. You could also be punished by the search engine even if the situation seems relatively harmless such as spam being sent by the malware.

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