Parameter tampering is a type of hacking that allows unauthorized access to personal information. Firewalls and other settings can limit a hacker’s ability, but security audits are recommended. Whitelist and blacklist tools can also be used for protection.
Parameter tampering is a sophisticated form of hacking that creates a change in the Uniform Resource Locator, or URL, associated with a web page. In essence, tampering with the parameters allows the hacker to access any information entered by an end user on a web page made and redirect it to the hacker for unauthorized use. This type of hacking activity is often employed to gain access to personal information such as credit card numbers, government-issued identification numbers, and other proprietary data.
One of the most common tools used to minimize the risk of tampering with parameters is the firewall. As part of the operation of a firewall, every parameter or identifying data that defines a web page must be verified to allow full access to the page. If a single parameter does not meet the standards established during the implementation of the firewall, access is blocked and cannot be protected from a hacker.
Various other settings can be put in place to limit a hacker’s ability to use parameter tampering. Like a firewall, these settings check the status of all parameters and make sure there are no problems. This verification process will examine the number range set for the web page, as well as the minimum and maximum lengths of the entered strings applied to the page. If a parameter does not match the original configuration, access is denied.
Even with these safeguards in place, it is recommended that any computer network undergo a scheduled security audit in order to identify any attempts by an outside source to tamper with the parameters. Routine security checks can often identify potential weaknesses in current security settings and help protect URLs from newer and more powerful viruses and other dangers that may exceed current security protocols.
Both whitelist and blacklist are used as tools to restrict tampering with parameters. The whitelist essentially works to only accept input that is deemed permitted by the current security settings. The blacklist focuses more on refusing to allow access using any input that is not specifically included in the security protocols. Depending on the degree and type of security protection desired, one or both of these tools can be used simultaneously.
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