Counter Hack Reloaded: A Step-by-Step Guide to Computer Attacks and Effective Defenses, Second Edition

11 Phase 5: Covering Tracks and Hiding

Every day, attackers take over Web sites by the dozens and tamper with their contents. A large number of such victims are archived at the Zone-H Web site (www.zone-h.com/en/defacements), which contains a virtual museum of Web vandalism attacks over the last several years. Some attackers want to create a big splash with a high-profile attack to establish a reputation, embarrass their victims, or to make a political point. Massive Distributed DoS (DDoS) attacks or vandalism of a major Web site can surely garner attention.

However, attackers who desire quiet, unimpeded access to computing systems and sensitive data conduct the vast majority of attacks. This class of attackers wants to stay hidden, so they can ...