Once cybercriminals install the malware through unsecured points of entry, it allows them to access all data of the company. So, it means to remotely access resources within an application, such as databases and file servers, giving perpetrators the ability to remotely issue system commands and update malware. Particularly, web server backdoors can give the ability to steal data, deface websites, hijacking servers and the launching of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, infecting website visitors, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) assaults.
Backdoor detection becomes more difficult
According to the statistics, backdoor attacks increased by 173% between 2017 and 2018. SiteLock research shows that 43% of all infected websites contained at least one backdoor file in the second quarter of 2018.
Backdoor detection becomes more difficult due to cybercriminals’ usage of new strains of malware that can bypass malware scanners without detection. When the detection time of the backdoor attack is getting longer, the damage rate of the company will increase.
IBM Security and the Ponemon Institute said that companies that can stop a breach within 30 days save more than $1 million compared to those that take over 30 days. Essentially for small businesses with a high risk of security breaches, taking proactive measures to secure your website and prevent backdoor attacks is critical to avoid the financial fallout which can exceed $100,000. It is needed to note that the average small business closes only six months after a cyberattack.
Ways of preventing backdoor attacks
It’s a good way to use a website scanner that can mitigate malware, patch vulnerabilities, and alert the administrator of potential security threats. Moreover, installing a web application firewall to protect the perimeter of your website by keeping bad actors at bay. A WAF which differs good traffic (like real customers) from bad traffic (like malicious bots) prevents the bad traffic from gaining access to your site.
In a suspicious situation about backdoor malware, to solve and mitigate the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible, there are some steps to handle with the backdoor. Be sure that identified malware files had been consistently removed by the website scanner. Cybersecurity vendors or IT team should review the site access logs for anything out of the ordinary. Uninstalling any unused plug-ins after checking the CMS is a needed step also. a new copy of your CMS can be downloaded by going to the WordPress or Drupal site and downloading all your files.