SQL injection is one of the most damaging forms of attack a website can face. It happens when hackers insert SQL commands into your site’s input fields: things like login forms, search bars, or any place where users type information. SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is the language your database understands. When a vulnerable site receives malicious SQL commands, the attacker can gain access to the database behind the website.
Once inside, the hacker can steal customer data, usernames, passwords, email addresses, payment information, and anything else stored in that database. The fallout from this kind of attack can be extensive. Recovering from stolen customer data is incredibly difficult, and depending on the information taken, it can also be expensive. It can heavily damage your company’s reputation because customer trust is hard to regain once their private information has been exposed.
SiteLock’s 360-degree scan technology checks every input box on your website to confirm that it’s not vulnerable to SQL injection. The scan tests those fields with harmless code that mimics the techniques hackers use, without collecting or accessing any of your data. If a vulnerability is detected, the system alerts you immediately, and the SiteLock Expert Services team can help you fix the issue before it becomes a real threat.
Keep your applications updated to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities. Try to limit the number of third-party plugins you use because many of them are rarely updated or may come from untrusted publishers. A website scanning service that includes SQL injection protection, like SiteLock, gives you an additional layer of safety. If you build custom code, make sure your input fields are properly validated and that your database procedures include checks to prevent SQL injection attacks.
