How Do Websites Get Hacked by Cybercriminals?

In today's digital age, everyone benefits from understanding how website attacks occur. Websites are hacked through software vulnerabilities, weak passwords, phishing, and automated attacks that exploit outdated systems or human error.

As businesses continue to increase their operations online and hacking incidents become more common, website security deserves greater attention. To get a clearer sense of how these attacks happen, it helps to look at common vulnerabilities found across the web, including those outlined in the top 10 OWASP.

In this guide, we’ll walk through tactics utilized by hackers, explain common software security vulnerabilities, and show you how to better protect and defend your websites from these threats.

Common hacking techniques

Cybercriminals use a range of techniques to bypass access control mechanisms and compromise websites, including automated tools, credential-based attacks, and the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.

The methods outlined below represent some of the most common approaches.

Automated bots scanning for weak sites

Hackers rarely target websites manually. Instead, they deploy automated bots that continuously scan the internet for vulnerable sites, outdated software, exposed login pages, or misconfigured servers.

These tools can probe thousands of websites per minute, looking for known weaknesses in content management systems, plugins, or security settings. Once a vulnerability is detected, attackers can quickly launch automated exploits, making even small or low-traffic websites potential targets.

Brute force attacks

In a brute force attack, hackers use trial and error to attempt to obtain sensitive user information such as their PIN or password. This is done by using automated software to generate thousands of consecutive guesses until they gain access to the system.

For instance, a hacker could use a brute force attack to crack a password by trying every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until they stumble upon the correct one.

Keyloggers and monitoring malware

Keyloggers and monitoring malware basically serve as “digital spies” tracking a user's input to steal sensitive information. These can capture credit card details, passwords, and other private data.

For example, a keylogger may record keystrokes during a login session, allowing attackers to obtain account credentials without detection.

Social engineering attacks

Social engineering attacks manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.

This doesn't always involve technical hacking skills but instead relies on human interaction. Imagine a scam email or call pretending to be from a legitimate company asking for login details or personal data. This tactic preys on human error and trust rather than software vulnerabilities.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks involve injecting malicious scripts into various web pages that are viewed by other users.

When executed, these scripts can steal session data, modify content, or redirect users to malicious websites. For example, an attacker may embed a script within a comment field that runs when other users load the page.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), also known as session riding, tricks authenticated users into performing unintended actions on a website.

This can occur when a user clicks a malicious link while logged into an account, allowing attackers to carry out actions such as changing account details or initiating transactions without the user’s knowledge.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack

A DDoS attack overwhelms a website or server with large volumes of traffic from multiple compromised devices, often forming a botnet.

The goal is not to steal data but to exhaust system resources, causing the site to slow down or crash entirely. DDoS attacks can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and sometimes serve as a distraction while attackers attempt other intrusions.

DNS Spoofing

DNS spoofing, also known as DNS poisoning, manipulates Domain Name System records to redirect users from a legitimate website to a malicious one.

Victims believe they are visiting a trusted site, but they are actually interacting with a fraudulent server designed to steal credentials, distribute malware, or capture sensitive information.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks

MITM attacks occur when a hacker intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other.

This often happens on unsecured networks, where attackers can monitor or manipulate data transmitted between users and websites.

Why do websites get hacked?

Hackers rarely target websites for a single reason. While gaining unauthorized access is the first objective, once inside, attackers can leverage a compromised site in several ways, depending on their motivations. Common reasons websites are hacked include:

• Data theft: Stealing customer records, login credentials, payment information, or intellectual property.
• Financial gain: Committing fraud, selling stolen data, or redirecting payments.
• Malware distribution: Using the site to infect visitors with malicious software.
• Ransomware and extortion: Encrypting data or threatening disruption unless a payment is made.
• SEO spam: Injecting hidden links or content to manipulate search rankings.
• Botnet recruitment: Using compromised servers to support large-scale attacks such as DDoS campaigns.

Gaining legitimate login access allows attackers to operate with elevated privileges and avoid detection, enabling long-term exploitation of data and systems. Because any vulnerable site can be monetized or weaponized, organizations of all sizes face constant hacking attempts and must treat cybersecurity as a critical priority.

A compromised website often shows clear warning signs, although some attacks remain hidden for long periods. Recognizing these indicators early can help limit damage, protect users, and prevent further exploitation.

Software security vulnerabilities

Software vulnerabilities pose a significant risk in the digital landscape, yet they are frequently overlooked due to their seemingly intangible nature. Even seemingly insignificant bugs can be leveraged as vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are adept at searching for and exploiting these hidden points of weakness, whether in plugins or software, and can worm their way into secure backend systems and web servers through these overlooked opportunities; this allows them to gain access to critical data or wreak havoc on a website's functionality.

Some of the most common security vulnerabilities frequently exploited by hackers include:

• SQL injection (SQLi): The SQL injection attack is one of the most common web-hacking methods, where malicious SQL statements are inserted into an entry field for execution. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data such as customer information, personal details, credit card numbers, and more. For example, an attacker can manipulate the login process to gain access to an entire database by injecting malicious SQL code into the username or password field.
• Remote code execution (RCE): This is an attack in which an attacker exploits a vulnerability in a system to run arbitrary, malicious code. RCEs can be extremely harmful as they provide the attacker with complete control over the compromised system. A real-world example would be if an attacker discovered a vulnerability in a web application's image upload functionality, where they could upload a malicious script disguised as an image file. They could then execute this script remotely, giving them control over the server.
• Remote/local file inclusion (R/LFI): With these types of attacks, an attacker exploits a vulnerability in a web application to include files from remote or local servers. This allows them to execute code on the server and can lead to data theft or even site takeover.
• Malware, backdoors, and persistent access: After gaining access through a vulnerability, attackers often install malware or hidden backdoors to maintain persistent control of the website. These covert entry points bypass normal authentication, allowing hackers to return later to steal data, inject malicious content, or conduct further attacks.

It’s important to note that vulnerabilities can extend beyond a website itself and even encompass third-party extensions and interconnected technologies.

The key to cybersecurity and protecting your valuable internet data is to recognize that all systems have potential vulnerabilities and then build a layered approach to mitigate them.

Risks of outdated or vulnerable software

Outdated plugins or software are one of the most common attack vectors used in successful hacking attempts. Cybercriminals actively scan the internet for websites running unpatched systems, plugins, or applications with known security issues, allowing them to gain access quickly and often without being detected.

Once a cybercriminal gains access, they could manipulate or steal sensitive customer data, which can lead to a loss of trust and potential legal repercussions. They could introduce malware or ransomware into the system, resulting in costly downtime and potential damage to the company's reputation.

Login credentials can also lead hackers straight into internal systems and databases, which can expose insider information, affect financial records, or even enable them to alter the company’s website design and user interface.

All of these are real risks, which is precisely why cyberattacks must be mitigated and prepared for in a proactive manner.

Third-party integrations and services

Third-party integrations are key distribution channels of online services, linking various digital platforms together.

From marketing analytics software to content management systems, these integrations make it easier to run online businesses by offering seamless access between platforms.

While the benefits are clear, integrations also present a significant cybersecurity challenge, creating potential backdoors that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to websites. The issue is similar to leaving your home's back door unlocked: although it's convenient, it inadvertently presents an opportunity for ill-intentioned individuals to break in.

Malvertising attacks, a common type of attack on integrations, are initiated when hackers inject malicious code into ads across multiple networks. The hackers masquerade as legitimate advertisers using online advertisements as a vehicle to distribute malware.

When users unknowingly click on these advertisements or visit the compromised site, their devices become infected. This form of attack is particularly sinister as it requires little or no interaction from the user and can easily slip past conventional antivirus software.

The main challenge with integrations lies in the lack of control site owners have over third-party providers. They must place their trust in the security measures of these third parties, which may or may not utilize security best practices across the board.

How to protect your website from hackers

While website threats are constantly evolving, there are proven strategies that can significantly reduce your risk. By using tactics such as Defense in Depth principles, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, routine backups, and more, you can keep your site secure.

Here’s how you can protect your website from hackers over the long term.

Follow Defense in Depth principles

The concept of Defense in Depth (DiD) is a strategy borrowed from the military, and it applies equally well to a business’s cybersecurity approach. It's about creating multiple layers of defense to thwart any cyberattack.

If an attack bypasses one layer, another layer is ready to stop the threat. This approach may include using encryption, running regular security scans, and employing intrusion detection systems.

When combined with other security measures, following DiD principles significantly lowers the risk of a successful attack.

Lean on the Least Privileged best practice

Least Privilege is a security principle that involves giving users or processes the minimal level of access – or privileges – necessary to perform their functions.

This approach reduces the potential for damage should an account become compromised. In other words, it minimizes the “attack surface” available to a potential hacker.

This means if an employee only needs access to a specific set of files, they don't have administrator rights that could potentially be exploited by malware or a hacker.

Create strong passwords

Weak or reused passwords are a common cause of successful hacking attempts. Attackers often use automated tools to guess credentials or test passwords leaked from previous data breaches.

Creating long, complex, and unique passwords for each account significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Whenever possible, use a reputable password manager to generate and store secure passwords, and avoid using easily guessed information such as names, birthdays, or common words.

Use multi-factor and two-factor authentication

Adding an extra layer of security through multi-factor or two-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) can significantly boost your website's security.

2FA requires users to confirm their identities through two pieces of evidence: something you know, like a password, and something you have, like a mobile device. MFA adds another level of proof to this process.

Get a website firewall

A web application firewall (WAF) filters the incoming and outgoing website traffic, blocking hacking attempts and malicious code.

By using a WAF, you significantly decrease the chance of SQL injections, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and other dangerous attacks. WAFs are particularly useful for businesses looking to achieve PCI DSS compliance since having a firewall is one of its requirements.

Routinely back up your website

Just like saving important documents routinely, backing up your website for protection against website hacking is essential. Whether it's due to ransomware, human error, or hardware malfunction, losing your website data can be disastrous.

Scheduling frequent backups protects you from these threats and makes sure you can quickly restore your site to its normal functionality if the worst occurs.

Leverage search engine reports

Search engines like Google and Bing provide security reports for your website. These reports can show you if your website is being penalized for malware or spam, and they can also provide insights about the security of your site.

Regularly reviewing these reports can help you spot and resolve potential problems before they escalate and spot a hacked website early.

Stay ahead of website hackers with SiteLock

It’s clear that cyber threats to businesses are more advanced and sophisticated than ever before.

Whether it's malware, DDoS attacks, or phishing scams, there's a potential cyber threat around every corner. No business, and especially no eCommerce platform, can afford to take these risks lightly.

With SiteLock's comprehensive website security plans, you're not just securing your online presence —you're also protecting your credibility, your customers, and your business's future.

SiteLock's Malware Scan and Removal service consistently checks and disinfects your websites for harmful content, while the web application firewall stands guard, filtering out hacking attempts and malicious code. With SiteLock's Website Backup Services, you'll never have to worry about ransomware, hardware issues, or human errors.

Think your site has been hacked? See our hacked website repair services.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay