Script kiddies (skiddies): What are they?

What is a script kiddie?

Script kiddies vs. hackers

The key distinction between a script kiddie and a hacker is their skill in carrying out hacking attacks. A hacker has a deep understanding of computer systems and the technical expertise to exploit weaknesses to launch attacks. Meanwhile, script kiddies rely on pre-made scripts and programs without the ability to significantly alter or develop their own tools. 

Script kiddies may have hacking skills or the ability to write scripts. Still, their capability to take advantage of vulnerabilities is typically limited to the ones they can easily discover. Their motivations are also relatively superficial. Script kiddies usually engage in attacks for the adrenaline rush, recognition, or pranks like website defacement.

Types of script kiddie attacks

Because they rely on common tools and programs, skiddies can often be identified by the lack of sophistication in their attacks. However, despite the low level of their skills, they can still cause considerable damage to websites and systems.

Script kiddie attacks can be classified under the following categories:

DDoS attacks

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are a method where skiddies use a script to flood a website with traffic. The high surge of traffic overwhelms the website’s capacity, preventing it from processing requests made by actual users and potentially causing disruptions. Many off-the-shelf scripts can execute this attack, making it a preferred method for script kiddies seeking an easy way to disrupt a website.

Web defacements

Certain scripts enable skiddies to alter or replace elements in a website, such as images or other assets, essentially vandalizing the site. These kinds of attacks don't cause as much damage as other attacks, though the vulnerabilities exploited in the process can expose the website to more serious cyber threats if they are not addressed. 

Malware attacks

Malware is another common tactic used by script kiddies, who attempt to inject malware into a system in various ways. More ambitious skiddies may use methods like social engineering to directly target website administrators or users, combined with other popular ways to spread malware like phishing emails.

SQL injections

Script kiddies can also use attack vectors like SQL injections, which insert malicious SQL queries into input forms like login fields or search bars on websites. This attack relies on unsecured websites or vulnerable existing scripts, increasing the script kiddie’s chances of a successful breach.

What is the best defense against script kiddie attacks?

Because script kiddies rely on finding the easiest targets for their attacks, even basic security solutions may be an effective deterrent. Most skiddies lack the persistence or expertise to bypass cybersecurity solutions and will move on to easier marks if they encounter any resistance or defense.

If you’d like to discourage script kiddies from targeting you, try these tools and methods:

• Firewalls. Firewalls can provide a comprehensive security solution to the most common attack vectors used by skiddies.
• Intrusion detection systems. Intrusion detection systems are an effective way to detect unusual traffic from brute-force attacks.
• Access controls. Access controls limit the capabilities of a script kiddie if they manage to gain access to a system.
• Updates and patch management. Such updates can address application or network vulnerabilities skiddies can exploit.
• Staff training. Staff training equips users with the knowledge to identify and defend themselves against script kiddie attacks.

Implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution or framework combined with robust network monitoring is one of the best ways to defend against skiddie attacks. By monitoring network traffic and activity for anomalies, you can identify suspicious behavior and deploy appropriate countermeasures.

Tools and methods used by script kiddies

Script kiddies rely on readily available tools and software to conduct their attacks. These script kiddie tools include exploit kits, freely available hacking scripts, and automated scanners. In some cases, skiddies misuse legitimate tools for malicious purposes.

Many legitimate training labs and resources that real cybersecurity professionals use and recommend can be repurposed into malicious tools by other hackers, which skiddies download and use themselves. Some of the commonly used tools by a script kiddie include:

Public repositories

GitHub repositories, online forums, and especially sites on the dark web can all contain ready-made attack scripts. Most script kiddies rely on these platforms to obtain tools because they’re not skilled enough to develop their own code or write scripts that can successfully execute a hack.

Automated vulnerability scanners

Script kiddies can use simple scanning tools to find unpatched software, unsecured servers, and other vulnerabilities that make a website or network more susceptible to attacks. These scanners require minimal technical expertise, allowing skiddies to search for exploitable systems with just a few clicks.

Basic malware and botnets

Script kiddies can leverage off-the-shelf malware samples and botnet toolkits that automate DDoS attacks. These attacks can be a double-edged sword for script kiddies because they’ll run these packages without understanding the underlying code. This lack of understanding may then result in attacks that are easier to trace.

Simple phishing templates and social engineering kits

Phishing and social engineering are also attack vectors for script kiddies, especially when targeting vulnerable users like the elderly and those non-tech-savvy. By using cloned login screens and phishing email templates, skiddies can target a wide audience without developing these tools themselves.

Password guessing and brute-force tools

Script kiddies use brute-force tools to cycle through commonly used or leaked passwords to gain access to systems and networks. Skiddies tend to target organizations and users without strong password policies or find vulnerable websites through scanners and continuously run brute-force attacks until they successfully breach a system.

Copy-paste execution without any code modification

Some script kiddies execute attacks even without fully understanding the functionality of the code or script they’re using. Because of their inexperience, script kiddies tend to run exploits and commands without modification.

Script kiddies in the cybersecurity context

Skiddies are often seen as a low-tier threat in the broader cybersecurity landscape. Typically, they’re teenagers or young adults trying out scripts and programs they downloaded online. In contrast, experienced hackers deliberately stage attacks to steal information or disrupt systems.

However, script kiddies are far from harmless. Vulnerabilities and successful attacks can still cause significant damage, particularly if other users and their data are impacted by the attack. Fortunately, even basic security measures can be highly effective in stopping skiddie attacks or making you a less appealing target.