More and more cybercriminals are launching watering hole attacks to gain access to company networks. But what exactly is a watering hole attack, and how can you protect yourself from it? Read on to learn how.
How watering hole attacks work
The term “watering hole” colloquially refers to a social gathering place where a particular group of people often go to. As internet users, we all have unique “watering holes” or websites that we frequently visit. For example, a financial analyst is likely to visit websites related to financial investments and market trends.
In a watering hole attack, cybercriminals observe the watering holes of a specific demographic and infect their targets’ most visited websites with malware. A user who has the misfortune of visiting any of these compromised sites will then have their device automatically loaded with malware.
The malware used in these attacks usually collects the victim’s personal information and sends it back to the hacker’s server. In extreme cases, the hacker will also actively take control of the infected device.
But how does a cybercriminal choose which websites to hack?
With internet tracking tools, hackers find out which websites companies and individual users visit the most. Hackers then attempt to find vulnerabilities in those websites and embed them with malicious software.
Tips to defend against this threat
Hackers these days are so highly skilled that they can exploit any website using a watering hole attack. Even specific ethnic communities and demographics have become targets of this scheme.
Protect yourself and your business from watering hole attacks by doing the following:
Update your software
Watering hole attacks often exploit security gaps and vulnerabilities to infiltrate computers and networks. You can significantly reduce the risk of an attack by regularly updating all of your software and browsers. Make it a habit to check the software developer’s website for any security patches. Better yet, hire a managed IT services provider to keep your system up to date.
Closely monitor your network
Regularly conduct security checks using network security tools like intrusion prevention systems that detect and contain suspicious or malicious network activities before they cause problems. Consider using bandwidth management software to enable you to observe user behavior and detect abnormalities that could indicate an attack, such as large data transfers or a high number of downloads.
Hide your online activities
Use a VPN and your browser’s private browsing feature to hide you and your team’s online activities. You can also block social media sites from your office network, as these are often used as share points of links to infected sites.
Watering hole attacks can be devastating to businesses of all sizes. By staying informed and taking steps to protect your business, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim. Contact us today to learn more ways to keep your business safe from watering hole attacks and other cyberthreats.
Key Takeaways: Defending against watering hole attacks
As a South Florida managed IT provider, Nextek IT helps businesses stay ahead of technology challenges. Here are the most important points to remember about defending against watering hole attacks:
- Expert local support: Nextek IT provides hands-on managed IT services across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
- Proactive monitoring: We monitor your systems 24/7 so issues are caught before they become problems.
- Cybersecurity-first approach: Every IT recommendation we make considers your security posture and compliance requirements.
- Scalable solutions: Whether you’re a 5-person office or a 200-person company, our IT solutions grow with your business.
How Nextek IT Can Help
Have questions about defending against watering hole attacks or need help implementing the right IT solution for your South Florida business? Contact Nextek IT today for a free consultation. Our team of certified IT professionals is ready to help you get the most out of your technology investment.
Learn more about our Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity Solutions for South Florida businesses.