Understanding Drive-by Downloads
As busy executives, CEOs, Board Members, Chief Counsels and even high level executive leadership may not have a detailed understanding of all the ins and outs of cybersecurity. Yet with organizations increasingly facing the threat of cyber attacks, it’s crucial to grasp core cybersecurity terms to safeguard your company. One such term is Drive-by Downloads.
1. Non-technical Definition of Drive-by Downloads
The term Drive-by Downloads refers to the unintended download of malicious software, or malware, on your computer. This typically happens when you visit a compromised website, open an infected email, or click on a deceptive pop-up ad, all while running outdated or insecure software. The scary part? This can all happen without your knowledge and without any action needed beyond visiting a site or email.
2. The History behind Drive-by Downloads
The term Drive-by Downloads originated in the 1990s as the internet began to boom and browsers became more complex. Cybercriminals found a way to exploit vulnerabilities in various web browsers and applications to deliver malware to unsuspecting users. Over time, these attacks have evolved to become more sophisticated, targeting companies’ sensitive data and becoming an increasingly used tool for launching broader attacks.
3. Business Impact of Drive-by Downloads
- In 2013, the popular social media site Facebook was struck by a drive-by download attack. The attack used a zero-day exploit and resulted in several Facebook employees’ computers harboring malware, jeopardizing user data and company secrets.
- In 2019, American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA) fell victim to a significant drive-by download attack, resulting in the compromise of more than 20 million patients’ records from various healthcare providers. This led to a catastrophic loss of reputation and severe consequences with regulatory bodies.
- Recently in 2020, a prominent company suffered an attack that exploited an Internet Explorer vulnerability delivering ransomware. The company incurred substantial downtime, delayed services, lost revenue, and reputational damage.
4. Mitigating Risks of Drive-by Downloads
Maintaining updated software is one of the most effective ways to prevent Drive-By Downloads. This includes system software, applications, web browsers and plugins. It’s essential to establish a strong cybersecurity culture within the organization that prioritizes regular updates and security best practices. Implementing strong cybersecurity solutions and continuously monitoring for threats can also significantly remediate this risk.
5. Call to Action
Understanding and mitigating the risks of Drive-by Downloads and other cyber threats can be challenging. For effective cyber risk management, compliance and strategic leadership in addressing these threats, reach out to us today. With our Fractional CISO services, security assessments, and strategic IT security consulting, we can help safeguard your organization. Contact us for a free consultation.