What is a Watering Hole Attack?

A watering hole attack is a type of cyber attack in which attackers compromise a specific website or group of websites that are likely to be visited by their intended targets. The attackers then use these compromised websites, known as “watering holes,” to deliver malware or other types of attacks to the visitors of the websites.

Watering hole attacks are typically highly targeted and are often aimed at specific organizations or individuals. The attackers may choose websites that are related to the interests or profession of their intended targets, or that are known to be popular with their intended targets.

Once the attackers have compromised the watering hole website or websites, they may use various techniques to deliver malware or other types of attacks to the visitors of the website. This may include using vulnerabilities in the visitors’ web browsers or operating systems, or using social engineering techniques to trick the visitors into downloading malware or giving away sensitive information.

Watering hole attacks can be difficult to defend against, as they are often highly targeted and may not be detected until after the attack has taken place. It is important for individuals and organizations to be aware of this threat and to take steps to protect against it, such as keeping their web browsers and operating systems up to date and being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites.