Website defacement
Encyclopedia
A website defacement is an attack on a website that changes the visual appearance of the site or a webpage. These are typically the work of system cracker
s, who break into a web server
and replace the hosted website
with one of their own.
The most common method of defacement is using SQL Injections to log on to administrator accounts. Defacements usually consist of an entire page. This page usually includes the defacer's pseudonym
or "Hacking Codename." Sometimes, the Website Defacer makes fun of the system administrator
for failing to maintain server security
. Most times, the defacement is harmless, however, it can sometimes be used as a distraction to cover up more sinister actions such as uploading malware
or deleting essential files from the server.
A high-profile website defacement was carried out on the website of the company SCO Group
following its assertion that Linux contained stolen code. The title of the page was changed from "Red Hat v. SCO
" to "SCO vs World," with various satirical content following.
Hacker (computer security)
In computer security and everyday language, a hacker is someone who breaks into computers and computer networks. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, including profit, protest, or because of the challenge...
s, who break into a web server
Web server
Web server can refer to either the hardware or the software that helps to deliver content that can be accessed through the Internet....
and replace the hosted website
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
with one of their own.
The most common method of defacement is using SQL Injections to log on to administrator accounts. Defacements usually consist of an entire page. This page usually includes the defacer's pseudonym
Pseudonym
A pseudonym is a name that a person assumes for a particular purpose and that differs from his or her original orthonym...
or "Hacking Codename." Sometimes, the Website Defacer makes fun of the system administrator
System administrator
A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network...
for failing to maintain server security
Computer security
Computer security is a branch of computer technology known as information security as applied to computers and networks. The objective of computer security includes protection of information and property from theft, corruption, or natural disaster, while allowing the information and property to...
. Most times, the defacement is harmless, however, it can sometimes be used as a distraction to cover up more sinister actions such as uploading malware
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming that is designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, or gain unauthorized access to system resources, or that otherwise exhibits abusive behavior...
or deleting essential files from the server.
A high-profile website defacement was carried out on the website of the company SCO Group
SCO Group
TSG Group, Inc. is a software company formerly called The SCO Group, Caldera Systems, and Caldera International. After acquiring the Santa Cruz Operation's Server Software and Services divisions, as well as UnixWare and OpenServer technologies, the company changed its focus to UNIX...
following its assertion that Linux contained stolen code. The title of the page was changed from "Red Hat v. SCO
Red Hat v. SCO
The Red Hat v. SCO lawsuit - Red Hat filed suit against The SCO Group on August 4, 2003. Red Hat is asking for a permanent injunction against SCO's Linux campaign and a number of declaratory judgments that Red Hat has not violated SCO's copyrights....
" to "SCO vs World," with various satirical content following.