How Hackers Break Into Websites — And How to Stop Them

 

 

In today’s hyper-connected world, websites are like digital storefronts — but behind every shiny login form is a potential entry point for hackers. At NOVA, we break down real techniques hackers use to breach websites, and how you can secure your own.

 1. SQL Injection (SQLi)

What it is:
Attackers insert malicious SQL code into input fields (e.g., login forms) to access or modify the database.

Example attack:

' OR '1'='1

Result: Bypasses login, dumps user credentials.

Defense:

    Always use prepared statements

    Sanitize and validate all user inputs

    Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)

 2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

What it is:
Injecting malicious JavaScript into webpages viewed by others.

Goal:
Steal cookies, hijack sessions, or redirect users to phishing sites.

Defense:

    Escape output (<, >, " etc.)

    Use CSP headers (Content Security Policy)

    Validate input and encode output

 3. Brute Force Attacks

What it is:
Hackers use automated tools to guess login credentials.

Common tools:

    Hydra

    Burp Suite Intruder

    Medusa

Defense:

    Strong password policies

    Rate limiting or CAPTCHA

    Account lockout after failed attempts

4.File Upload Vulnerabilities

What it is:
Allowing users to upload malicious files (like .php shells).

Result: Remote Code Execution (RCE), full server control.

Defense:

    Restrict file types (only images, for example)

    Rename uploaded files

    Store outside web root and scan for malware

5. Directory Traversal

What it is:
Using ../ to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd.

Example URL:
site.com/index.php?page=../../../../etc/passwd

Defense:

    Sanitize file paths

    Disable file inclusion unless necessary

    Use secure frameworks

6. Outdated Software & Plugins

What it is:
Exploiting unpatched CMSs like WordPress, Joomla, or outdated plugins.

Attack Tools:

    WPScan

    CMSmap

    Nuclei (for fingerprinting and vulnerability scanning)

Defense:

    Regular updates

    Disable unused plugins

    Use security plugins like Wordfence or fail2ban

 Final Tips to Defend Your Website

    Use HTTPS always

    Regularly backup your website

    Employ bug bounty programs or pen tests

    Monitor logs for suspicious activity

    Use security headers (X-Frame-Options, HSTS, etc.)

Conclusion:

Websites are under constant attack — not just from bots, but from skilled threat actors. But by understanding how the enemy thinks, you can build defenses they can’t break. Stay sharp. Stay protected. Stay NOVA.