What Types of Attacks Can HTTPS Content Scanning Stop While Users Surf the Internet?

• Mar 29, 2023,
• TG8 Security

As more and more websites shift to using HTTPS for secure communication, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit encrypted traffic to deliver malware, steal data, and launch cyber attacks. This is where HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level comes in, providing an essential layer of security to detect and block threats before they can enter a business’s network. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of attacks that HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can stop.

Malware Downloads

Malware can be hidden in encrypted traffic, making it difficult to detect and block. HTTPS content scanning can intercept the traffic and analyze it for signs of malware, preventing it from being downloaded onto users’ devices. By scanning the contents of encrypted traffic, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can detect and block a wide range of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and ransomware.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick users into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords. HTTPS content scanning can detect and block phishing attacks by analyzing the contents of websites and identifying malicious links and forms designed to steal user data. By intercepting the traffic and inspecting the contents, HTTPS content scanning can prevent users from falling victim to phishing attacks.

Drive-By Downloads

Drive-by downloads occur when malware is downloaded onto a user’s device without their knowledge or consent, simply by visiting a compromised website. HTTPS content scanning can detect and block these downloads by analyzing the contents of websites for signs of malware and preventing it from being downloaded onto users’ devices. By scanning encrypted traffic for malicious code and scripts, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can stop drive-by downloads before they can do any harm.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks occur when an attacker intercepts encrypted traffic between a user and a server and alters the contents of the traffic to steal data or inject malware. HTTPS content scanning can detect and block MITM attacks by analyzing the contents of traffic for signs of tampering or malicious code. By inspecting encrypted traffic, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can identify and block traffic that has been compromised by an attacker.

Exploit Kits

Exploit kits are pre-packaged sets of software tools that hackers use to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. HTTPS content scanning can detect and block exploit kits by analyzing the contents of websites and identifying malicious code and scripts used to deliver them. By scanning encrypted traffic for signs of exploit kits, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can stop them before they can exploit vulnerabilities and compromise user devices.

Remote Code Execution Attacks

Remote code execution (RCE) attacks occur when malicious code is executed on a user’s device without their knowledge or consent, giving the attacker access to sensitive data or control over the device. HTTPS content scanning can detect and block RCE attacks by analyzing the contents of traffic and identifying malicious code or scripts. By scanning encrypted traffic for signs of RCE attacks, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can prevent attackers from taking control of user devices.

In conclusion, HTTPS content scanning on the gateway level can stop a wide range of cyber attacks by intercepting encrypted traffic and analyzing it for signs of malicious activity. By preventing malware downloads, phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, MITM attacks, exploit kits, and RCE attacks, HTTPS content scanning provides an essential layer of security to protect businesses from cyber threats.

TG8 is a unified platform of DPI firewall and cybersecurity gateways to secure better, reduce costs and simplify management. Founded in Texas, USA, TG8 Security works with channel partners worldwide to implement and support its products and solutions.