In a cybersecurity landscape with increased attacks and businesses on high alert, one type of domain vulnerability often falls from an organization’s radar. Businesses may neglect Sitting Duck attacks, but cybercriminals certainly don’t, as reports show that malicious actors hijacked over 30,000 domains with this method in the last five years.
So, what exactly are Sitting Duck attacks? How do they work, how do attackers exploit them, and how can brands stay safe? That’s exactly what we’ll discuss right here.
What Are Sitting Duck Attacks?
If you’re a large, growing business, it’s hard to keep track of each and every domain asset. Even the most conscientious businesses leaders lose track of their portfolio when they’re focused on staying afloat in competitive industries. Multinational corporations and amateurs alike often buy new domains, register them with a DNS provider, then forget about them over time. This phenomenon occurs when projects fizzle out, brands change direction, change providers, or setup defensive registrations that fall by the wayside.
Unfortunately, these dormant and vulnerable domain registrations and DNS corrections form the exact “Sitting Ducks” which cybercriminals exploit in these attacks. Sitting Duck vulnerabilities built up across many modern businesses for years, only popping up on the radar when another large brand suffers an attack. However, between attacks, and whenever media outlets lose interest, brands lower their guard. Attackers sniff out these weaknesses, striking innocent brands when they least expect it.
How Cybercriminals Exploit Sitting Duck Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals exploit Sitting Duck DNS vulnerabilities by claiming abandoned or neglected domain accounts and linking them to new, malicious pages. They scan for inactive domains and DNS records, identifying opportunities where companies have let their guard down. Once they find a suitable domain, they can register new accounts or hijack existing ones without proper verification. After gaining control, attackers create spoof websites or redirect legitimate URLs to these malicious sites. These fake pages often mimic reputable businesses or services, making it hard for users to discern the real from the fraudulent.
Phishing attacks can and do leverage Sitting Duck vulnerabilities, often wreaking a heavy toll on their targets. For instance, attackers might take over a domain once used by a trusted retail company and set up a phishing site that looks almost identical to the store’s official login page. Unsuspecting users who attempt to log in end up providing their credentials to the attackers. Cybercriminals then use the stolen information to access their bank accounts, leading to financial theft and identity fraud. While this example focuses on the consumer goods sector, attackers employ similar tactics across other industries, including finance, healthcare, and other services online.
Crucially, when attackers exploit a Sitting Duck DNS, they take control of assets far beyond web pages themselves. They also leverage domains to receive and send email, commandeering online communications for nefarious purposes like phishing attacks and digital manipulation.
Attackers also use Sitting Duck DNS vulnerabilities for more extreme purposes. Reports reveal that cybercriminals have used these vulnerabilities to issue bomb threats and engage in sextortion. By redirecting users to threatening or exploitative content, attackers create panic and distress, leveraging the situation to coerce and manipulate individuals or organizations. These attacks cause severe distress and reputational damage, along with their severe financial toll.
What Authorities and Organizations Can Do
Once a Sitting Duck attack strikes, the damage often proves irreversible. Brands can try to recover lost finances or redirect consumers to legitimate sites, but they cannot easily restore the broken trust. Registrars typically place the responsibility for domain security on the companies themselves. Managing domain assets effectively becomes challenging without specialized expertise and dedicated resources.
Crucially, not all registrars handle these vulnerabilities well. Some allow new accounts to take over redirects without proper verification, facilitating attacks. To reduce these risks, companies should switch to a secure Corporate Domain Management provider which ensures rigorous asset protection and verification processes.
What to Do If You’re Concerned About Sitting Duck Attacks
For many businesses, especially those new to the industry or managing extensive portfolios, unknown vulnerabilities in domain assets and DNS connections pose a significant risk. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities in various ways. To protect against Sitting Duck attacks, companies should perform a thorough audit of their domain assets, including Zonefiles, servers, registrars, and DNS connections. To start securing your domains, get a free audit here.
In conclusion, Sitting Duck attacks present a serious threat that requires immediate attention. By understanding these attacks and taking proactive measures, businesses can better safeguard their domain assets and preserve their brand integrity in an increasingly risky cyber environment.
