Guide: Watering Hole Social Engineering Attacks Concept

What is Watering Hole:
A Watering Hole attack is a security exploit in which the attacker seeks to compromise a specific group of end users by infecting websites that members of the group are known to visit. The goal is to infect a targeted user's computer and gain access to the network at the target's place of employment.

Why is it important:
Understanding Watering Hole attacks is critical because they represent a very sneaky and effective form of Social Engineering attack. They exploit the trust users place in their habitual websites, turning benign resources into dangerous traps.

How it works:
The attacker carefully studies his target, discerns its internet behavior, and determines which website or websites his target visits on a regular basis. These 'watering holes' are then compromised with malware which is transmitted onto the target's machine when they visit the site. The malware then attempts to exploit unknown security weaknesses in commonly installed software, effectively bypassing the organization's security.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Watering Hole:
Underline the stealthy nature of these attacks in your answers, focusing on how the attacker uses trusted resources as a means to infect target systems. Use examples that emphasize the attacker's method of studying their target. Indicate prevention methods, such as keeping software up-to-date and promoting user awareness. Emphasize that, unlike phishing attacks which are usually random and broad-based, watering hole attacks tends to be focused and highly targeted.