Understanding Drive-By Download Cyber Attacks | Neuways – Technologist

At Neuways, we often see how minor oversights can lead to significant cyber security breaches. Imagine this scenario: an employee researching for a client visits what appears to be a legitimate website. Unbeknownst to them, malware disguised as a Trojan virus silently downloads onto their device. From there, the Trojan infiltrates the organisation’s network, and before anyone realises, ransomware takes hold.

This stealthy cyber attack, a drive-by download attack, is becoming increasingly popular among threat actors. By bypassing traditional social engineering methods, these attacks allow cybercriminals to deploy sophisticated malware without user awareness.

What Are Drive-By Download Attacks?

Drive-by download attacks occur when threat actors compromise websites, links, or digital ads, tricking users into unknowingly downloading malicious software. These attacks often fall under the category of fileless malware, but not all follow this pattern—it depends on the tools and malware the attackers employ.

Rather than relying on user interaction through phishing or other social engineering techniques, attackers wait for users to encounter compromised assets.

Examples of Drive-By Download Attacks:

• Compromising legitimate websites frequently visited by users
• Embedding adware into online advertisements
• Using exploit kits on websites to scan for vulnerabilities in users’ devices
• Infecting media files or pop-ups on websites with malware
• Conducting credit card skimming attacks, such as the infamous MageCart attacks, where attackers compromised retail websites to steal customers’ payment information during purchases

How Drive-By Download Attacks Work

Though the specifics of each attack vary depending on the threat actor’s goal, most follow a similar pattern:

1. A threat actor compromises a popular or targeted website.
2. A user visits the site or clicks a compromised link, unknowingly triggering the attack.
3. Malware or an exploit kit gains access to the user’s device.
4. The attacker leverages this access to launch further attacks, such as ransomware, data theft, or cryptojacking.

Common Attacks Originating from Drive-By Downloads:

• Ransomware
• Trojan malware
• Exploit kits targeting unpatched vulnerabilities
• Spyware and keyloggers
• Adware and botnets
• Rootkits and cryptojacking

How to Protect Against Drive-By Download Attacks

Preventing drive-by downloads requires proactive cyber security measures to reduce vulnerabilities and increase awareness. Here’s how organisations can defend themselves:

Stay Updated with Patching and Vulnerability Management:

Exploit kits target unpatched software. A robust vulnerability management program ensures your organisation stays up to date, reducing entry points for attackers.

Implement Strong Browser Security:

Use web security tools and antivirus software to block suspicious sites and prevent automatic malware downloads. Endpoint isolation and secure browsing configurations also reduce risk.

Invest in Security Awareness Training:

Educate employees about the dangers of unsafe browsing and how to recognise potential threats, such as malicious ads and compromised websites.

The Role of Security Awareness Training

Drive-by download attacks often rely on users’ ignorance of the dangers posed by seemingly innocuous websites or links. Building a culture of cyber security awareness is crucial for reducing this human risk.

Neuways’ Security Awareness Training is designed to arm employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid these threats. Organisations can significantly minimise the likelihood of attacks succeeding by fostering good habits and encouraging vigilance.

Partner with Neuways to Strengthen Your Defences

Drive-by download attacks are just one of many tactics threat actors use, but with proactive measures and the proper training, organisations can stay ahead of these threats. Contact Neuways today to learn how we can help you build a resilient cyber security strategy.