Cyber attacks can occur through a variety of vectors, or paths that attackers use to gain access to a system or network. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common cyber-attack vectors and the attack surface, as well as how HoundER Attack Surface Management can help organizations reduce their risks of cyber incidents and protect mission critical infrastructures for businesses.

1. Cross Site Scripting (XSS): It is a type of cyberattack that allows attackers to inject malicious code into web pages viewed by other users. This code can be used to steal sensitive information, like usernames and passwords, or to launch further attacks on the targeted system. XSS attacks typically occur when a user visits a compromised website, clicks on a malicious link, or submits a form with vulnerable code.
2. Session Hijacking: It is a type of cyberattack where an attacker gains access to a user's session on a website or application. This can occur when an attacker intercepts the session ID, which is a unique identifier that is used to identify and authenticate a user's session. Once the attacker has access to the session, they can perform actions on behalf of the user, such as making unauthorized transactions or accessing sensitive information.
3. Brute Force: Attackers attempt to gain access to a system by trying a large number of password or authentication combinations until the correct one is found. With the evolution of computing processing power, the cost of performing a brute force attack has decreased significantly, making it easier for attackers to launch such attacks. Attackers can now use powerful computing resources, such as cloud services, to run these attacks at a relatively low cost.
4. Weak Encryption: Encryption is a process that encodes data to protect it from unauthorized access. Inadequate encryption occurs when encryption is either missing or poorly implemented. This can lead to sensitive data being accessed by cybercriminals, resulting in data breaches and financial loss.
5. Weak Passwords: Weak passwords are a common attack vector for cybercriminals. Weak passwords can be easily guessed, and once an attacker gains access to an account, they can access sensitive data or even take control of the entire system.
6. Injection Attacks: Injection attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious code into an application or website. This can lead to sensitive data being accessed, or even the entire system being compromised. SQL Injection is a type of injection attack that targets databases, allowing attackers to execute malicious SQL commands.
7. Misconfigured Security Controls: Misconfigured security controls refer to security measures that are not properly configured. This can include open ports, default passwords, or outdated software. Misconfigured security controls can lead to security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

In conclusion, it is important for businesses to understand the most common attack vectors used by cyber criminals. By implementing proper security measures and staying up to date with the latest security trends, businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats and safeguard their sensitive data.

With HoundER Attack Surface Management, organizations can gain a better understanding of their attack surface, identify potential vulnerabilities, and take steps to reduce their risks of cyber-attacks.