{"id":28037,"date":"2022-06-10T14:16:52","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T14:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easydmarc.com\/blog\/?p=28037"},"modified":"2023-08-10T12:35:19","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T12:35:19","slug":"what-is-an-sql-injection-sqli-and-how-to-prevent-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easydmarc.com\/blog\/what-is-an-sql-injection-sqli-and-how-to-prevent-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an SQL Injection (SQLi), and How to Prevent It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cybersecurity has become one of the main concerns of this digital era. Every day we come across news of <\/span>ransomware<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>phishing<\/span><\/a>, scamming, and other cybercrimes.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s true that we can\u2019t change the mindsets of cyber criminals, but we can take preventive measures to avert different <\/span>types of cyberattacks<\/span><\/a>. So, here we\u2019ll discuss <\/span>SQL injection<\/b>\u2014a common <\/span>malware type<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read till the end to know <\/span>what an SQL injection is<\/b>, its goals, impacts, types, and a real-life example. This blog also includes tips on <\/span>how to prevent SQL injections, <\/b>which is extremely useful for technology-driven businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an SQL Injection (SQLi)?<\/b><\/h2>\n

So, first things first: <\/span>What is an SQL injection<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, a language designed to manipulate and manage data in a database. An<\/span> SQLI<\/b> hacker injects malicious codes into existing SQL elements to trick systems into giving them access. Attackers deploy this technique to intercept data or locate admin credentials which helps them gain complete control over a system or network.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Do SQL Injection Attacks Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

SQL injection attacks<\/b> are performed through web pages or application input. Such input forms are usually seen in search boxes, form pages, or URL parameters.<\/span><\/p>\n

To attempt an <\/span>SQLI attack<\/b>, threat actors find vulnerabilities in a system or network and inject malicious payloads that execute unintended actions, like granting access to data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s another trick in which they just have to provide their target page\u2019s URL to an automated tool, and the job is done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example of SQL Injection (SQLi)<\/b><\/h3>\n

In 2017, a <\/span>Russia-speaking threat actor,<\/span><\/a> Rasputin, successfully gained access to systems of more than 60 universities and U.S. government agencies using SQL injection vulnerabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was later found that he used to design his own tools to perform such attacks instead of using free tools. The information stolen was offered for sale in cybercrime black markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the Goals and Impact of an SQL Injection?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The goal of attempting an <\/span>injection attack with SQL<\/b> is to gain unauthorized access to systems, crucial information, and data like passwords, credit card info, and personally identifiable information. This can consequently tarnish the image of a reputed organization and even lead to long-term data exploitation. In addition to this, hackers can:<\/span><\/p>\n