--- title: Defending yourself against cyber “watering hole” attacks description: Learn how to protect yourself from watering hole attacks, a type of cyberattack that targets users by infecting websites they commonly visit. image: https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hubfs/image-png.png --- [![Harris_Local_Gov_Logo_FullColor_1000px](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/HLG/Harris_Local_Gov_Logo_FullColor_1000px.png?width=179&height=52&name=Harris_Local_Gov_Logo_FullColor_1000px.png "Harris_Local_Gov_Logo_FullColor_1000px")](http://smartfusiongov.com) - [Solutions](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/solutions) - Solutions - [SmartFusion](https://hlgsmartfusion.harrislocalgov.com) - [Print & Mail](https://print-mail.harrislocalgov.com) - [Module Add-ons](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/add-ons) - [Resource Hub](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com) - White Papers - [White Papers](https://smartfusiongov.com/resources) - Video Library - [On-Demand Demos](https://smartfusiongov.com/resources-folder/request-access-to-videos) - Tips & Tricks - [Tips & Tricks](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/microsoft-outlook-tips-tricks) - About - About Harris Local Government ![](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hub/74005/hubfs/spark/stock/placeholder-megamenu.png?width=250&name=placeholder-megamenu.png) **About Harris Local Government** Harris Local Government is a leading provider of software solutions for public sector organizations. For over 40 years, we have helped our clients improve their financial management, human resources, regulatory compliance, and billing processes. Our portfolio of innovative solutions is designed specifically to meet the needs of small and mid-sized municipalities, counties, utility districts, and park districts. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support, and we offer a "Software for Life" philosophy that guarantees our products will be supported for as long as you need them. We are also committed to fostering inclusion and diversity at all levels of our company. 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For over 40 years, we have helped our clients improve their financial management, human resources, regulatory compliance, and billing processes. Our portfolio of innovative solutions is designed specifically to meet the needs of small and mid-sized municipalities, counties, utility districts, and park districts. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support, and we offer a "Software for Life" philosophy that guarantees our products will be supported for as long as you need them. We are also committed to fostering inclusion and diversity at all levels of our company. We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. Search Search - [CONTACT US](https://share.hsforms.com/1RMLa9Ma_ThmRswRd8gX2Qwdrzo6) - [CONTACT US](https://share.hsforms.com/1RMLa9Ma_ThmRswRd8gX2Qwdrzo6) Search Search ![Harris Local Government Cyber Security](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hubfs/image-png.png) Aug 7, 2023 9:39:29 AM | [Cybersecurity](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/tag/cybersecurity) # Defending yourself against cyber “watering hole” attacks Learn how to protect yourself from watering hole attacks, a type of cyberattack that targets users by infecting websites they commonly visit. Share - [mailto:?&subject=Defending%20yourself%20against%20cyber%20“watering%20hole”%20attacks&body=Defending%20yourself%20against%20cyber%20“watering%20hole”%20attacks%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.harrislocalgov.com%2Fdefending-yourself-against-cyber-watering-hole-attacks)](mailto:?&subject=Defending%20yourself%20against%20cyber%20“watering%20hole”%20attacks&body=Defending%20yourself%20against%20cyber%20“watering%20hole”%20attacks%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fblog.harrislocalgov.com%2Fdefending-yourself-against-cyber-watering-hole-attacks)) - - - ### Defending yourself against cyber “watering hole” attacks Leveraging Cloud Technology for Enhanced Cybersecurity in Local Government Update  Cyberattacks continue to grab headlines throughout 2023 as hacking and IT incidents affected government agencies and major companies. In a recent report by [CloudSEK XVigil](https://www.cloudsek.com/whitepapers-reports/unprecedented-increase-in-cyber-attacks-targeting-government-entities-in-2022), it has been revealed that the cybersecurity landscape witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks aimed at government agencies. The data shows a staggering 95% increase in such attacks in 2022 when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Notably, these malicious activities predominantly targeted government organizations situated in key regions like India, the United States, Indonesia, and China, collectively contributing to around 40% of all recorded incidents. These alarming statistics emphasize the growing threats faced by governmental bodies in the realm of cybersecurity, highlighting the need for robust defenses to mitigate the risks associated with these sophisticated attacks. > Local governments have also been targeted by cybercriminals during the COVID-19 pandemic. These attacks have ranged from ransomware attacks that have disabled government systems to phishing attacks that have stolen sensitive data. In some cases, these attacks have even caused disruption to essential services, such as water and power. > For example, in 2021, the city of Atlanta was hit by a ransomware attack that caused widespread disruption to city services. The attack forced the city to shut down its computer systems, which disrupted everything from police and fire services to water billing. The city eventually paid a ransom of $51,000 to regain access to its systems. > These attacks are a reminder that even local governments are not immune to cybercrime. Local governments need to take steps to protect themselves from these attacks, such as investing in cybersecurity measures and training employees. > > In a world where cyber threats are becoming more and more sophisticated, it is important to know the basics of what you're dealing with. More and more cybercriminals are launching something called watering hole attacks to gain access into company networks.   > > But what exactly is a "watering hole" attack, and how can you protect yourself from them? Keep listening for helpful tips to protect yourself from this growing problem!  > >  **How do watering hole attacks work?**  > > You can think of a watering hole as an online gathering place where people go to read, chat, and discuss topics that interest them. For example, a finance analyst might visit websites related to investments and market trends on Wall Street; while another person might enjoy browsing fashion blogs for fun - there really is not one perfect place where everyone goes!  > >  Cybercriminals have been using watering hole attacks for years to silently install malware on people's computers. They can even identify the demographics of a specific group and then compromise websites that they visit most often. A user who has the misfortune of visiting one of these compromised sites could have their device automatically loaded with malware.  > >  Malware is used to steal your personal information and send it back to the hackers. In some cases, they will also take control over the infected device!  > >  Ok, but how do cybercriminals choose websites to hack?  > >  Hackers use various techniques including stealthily loading malicious software onto websites that users visit in order to track what pages each visitor views most often and which links they clicks while visiting other sites - all this information helps them find vulnerabilities within those same websites so their own malware will be able execute more easily when someone else opens up an infected page without realizing anything is amiss!  > >  **3 Tips to defend against these types of threats**  > >  Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated, and a watering hole attack can be used to exploit any website. Even local government systems have become targets of this scheme.  > > You can protect your practice and yourself from these cyber-attacks by doing the following:  > > **Updating your software**  > > ![](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-1.png?width=439&height=368&name=image-png-1.png)Watering hole attacks will often use security gaps and vulnerabilities to infiltrate computers and networks. By regularly updating all of your software and browsers, you make it more difficult for hackers to complete their mission. You can also make it easier for a managed IT services provider to keep your system updated by hiring them as soon as possible.  > > **Closely monitor your network**  > > ![](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-2.png?width=439&height=368&name=image-png-2.png)Perform regular security checks using network security tools, such as intrusion prevention systems. These tools detect and contain suspicious or malicious network activities before they cause problems. Consider using bandwidth management software which will enable you to observe user behavior and detect abnormalities that could indicate an attack, such as large data transfers or a high number of downloads.  > > **Hide your online activities**  > > ![](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-3.png?width=439&height=368&name=image-png-3.png) > > Use a VPN along with your browser’s private browsing feature to hide your team’s online activities. It is also possible to block social media sites from the office network, as these are often used as distribution points for links to infected sites.  > > Watering hole attacks on businesses of all sizes have a serious negative impact on their ability to operate. By staying informed and taking steps to protect your medical practice, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim.   > > **Cybersecurity is an investment in the longevity of your local government and an important tool for safeguarding the public's trust.** > > **![](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hubfs/image-png-Jul-05-2023-07-31-05-3689-PM.png)** ![Admin](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(13).png?width=70&name=Untitled%20design%20(13).png) ### Written By: Admin SmartFusion, a Harris Computer software: Where budgets meet brilliance, and communities thrive. We're not just about software; We believe in continuous improvement and inspiring leaders to build citizen trust. As part of Harris Computer, SmartFusion® is our integrated suite designed to simplify your accounting, reporting, billing, and HR tasks. ## You May Also Like ### [![Budgeting Unveiled Blog](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hubfs/Unveiled%20Budgeting.png) *Aug 22, 2023 11:56:47 AM | Fund Accounting* Budgeting Unveiled: Navigating the Maze of Fund Accounting](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/budgeting-unveiled) ### [![Crafting a Resilient Hurricane Disaster Recovery Plan](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hubfs/Preparing%20for%20the%20Storm%20Crafting%20a%20Resilient%20Hurricane%20Disaster%20Recovery%20Plan.png) *Mar 27, 2024 10:47:26 AM | Business Office* Preparing for the Storm](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/strengthening-your-business-against-hurricanes) ### [*Jun 29, 2023 10:36:10 AM | Fund Accounting* Segregation of Funds and Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funds](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/segregation-of-funds-and-restricted-vs.-unrestricted-funds) [Learn More](https://www.example.com) [![SmartFusion - Primary Logo - Stacked](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SmartFusion%20-%20Primary%20Logo%20-%20Full%20Color%20-%20Stacked-1.png?width=1596&height=913&name=SmartFusion%20-%20Primary%20Logo%20-%20Full%20Color%20-%20Stacked-1.png "SmartFusion - Primary Logo - Stacked")](http://smartfusiongov.com) - Resource Hub - [White Papers](https://blog.harrislocalgov.com) - [Video Library](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/video-library) - [Events](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/events) - [Tips & Tricks](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/microsoft-outlook-tips-tricks) - Services - [SmartFusion](https://hlgsmartfusion.harrislocalgov.com) - [Harris Print & Mail](https://print-mail.harrislocalgov.com) - [Module Add-ons](https://learn.harrislocalgov.com/add-ons) - [Services](https://www.example.com) - [Lorem Ipsum Dolor](https://www.example.com) - [Sit Amet](https://www.example.com) - [Aliquam Tincidunt](https://www.example.com) - [Vestibulum Auctor](https://www.example.com) - [Services](https://www.example.com) - [Lorem Ipsum Dolor](https://www.example.com) - [Sit Amet](https://www.example.com) - [Aliquam Tincidunt](https://www.example.com) - [Vestibulum Auctor](https://www.example.com) 2017 East Main St., Easley, SC 29640 [tel:](tel:) © Harris Local Government. 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