Article provided by: Diana Hoffman, Corporate Escrow Administrator
A watering hole attack is one of the most dangerous because the risk is hidden within an otherwise legitimate website. Hackers identify websites visited the most by their intended victims.
Hackers then find vulnerabilities in those websites and embed the website with malicious software. This enables the criminals to target a particular group of companies or a specific industry.
Tips to keep in mind:
Install Software Patches and Updates: Watering hole attacks take advantage of software vulnerabilities in common applications, like operating systems and browsers. Updating software and browsers regularly reduces the risk of an attack. Always comply with any update notices from the FNF Information Security Office or system administrators.
Protect your online activities: When criminals are unable to track commonly used websites, they do not know which ones to plant their malware in. Be sure to utilize the VPN when working off of the Company's secure network. Social media sites can also be infected.
Stay informed: One of the best defenses against hackers is an informed user. Users who know what the newest threats are know how to avoid becoming a victim. Take the time to understand the risks and how to avoid them.
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