Tips to Prevent Browser-Based Attacks – Maxthon

Web browsers are essential tools for businesses, providing employees with seamless access to websites and online content. However, their convenience comes with significant security issues that organizations must address.

Alarmingly, studies reveal that 95% of undetectable malware infiltrates systems via web browsing activity. The financial implications of these attacks are severe; organizations face an average cost of $3.2 million due to browser-borne malware incidents.

This staggering statistic raises a critical question: How can organizations effectively protect their end users from such threats? In this blog post, we explore the root causes of browser-based attacks and highlight ten common types that pose risks to users.

Browser-based attacks arise from a complex interplay of technical errors, unsafe practices, and malicious behavior.

Common Web Browser-Based Threats

1. Cross-site scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting, or XSS, is a vulnerability that exists when an attacker injects malicious scripts (typically JavaScript) into web pages that other users then visit. These scripts execute in the affected user’s browser environment, allowing the attacker to capture sensitive data such as cookies and session tokens, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious websites.

2. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

CSRF attacks exploit the inherent trust between a web application and its authenticated users by tricking them into performing unintended actions without their consent. This is typically accomplished through crafted malicious requests that leverage social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into unknowingly performing them.

3. Phishing

Phishing attacks involve posing as a reputable organization to trick people into giving up sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. Attackers often use emails, instant messaging services, or fake websites to do this.

4. Drive-by downloads

Drive-by download attacks exploit security weaknesses in a user’s web browser or its plugins to stealthily download and execute malicious software on the victim’s device without their knowledge or consent. This malicious code can be involved in various malicious activities, such as data theft or installation of additional malware.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks involve intercepting communications between a user’s web browser and an online service, allowing attackers to eavesdrop on or modify the information exchanged during this interaction. Such intrusions can result in data theft, session hijacking, or even the injection of malicious content into legitimate communications.

6. Clickjacking

Clickjacking is a deceptive technique that tricks users into clicking elements that differ from their intended targets. Malicious actors often use transparent layers over legitimate web content to manipulate users into interacting with hidden elements, such as buttons or hyperlinks, that perform unintended actions.

7. Browser hijacking

Browser hijacking refers to the unauthorized takeover of a user’s web browser by malware, usually via malicious extensions, toolbars, or plugins. Once compromised, the browser can redirect users to malicious sites, change the homepage or search engine preferences, or inject intrusive advertisements.

8. Session hijacking

Session hijacking involves stealing session tokens or cookies from users to impersonate them and gain unauthorized access to their accounts. Attackers can capture these tokens through a variety of methods, including network eavesdropping or exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.

9. Tabnabbing

Tabnabbing is a phishing technique that targets individuals who have multiple tabs open in their web browser. When a user navigates away from an inactive tab and then returns, the contents of that tab may be modified to display a fraudulent page that imitates a legitimate website, encouraging the user to enter sensitive information.

10. Forming

Formjacking refers to the practice of inserting malicious code into web forms on e-commerce platforms with the aim of stealing payment card details and other sensitive data provided by users. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in the website’s code to intercept and extract data entered by unsuspecting visitors.

Protect against browser-based attacks with client-side security measures

Implementing client-side security measures is an effective strategy to protect end users, regardless of their browser security habits. One very effective approach is to use a Content Security Policy (CSP) header. The CSP header plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating attacks by defining which sources are allowed to load resources such as scripts, stylesheets, and images on your website. By establishing trusted sources for these resources via CSP policies, you can ensure that only content from approved sources is loaded on your site.

Maxthon

In an increasingly digital world, web browsers have become a primary way to access information and online services. However, this convenience also brings significant risks, including malware attacks, phishing schemes, and data breaches. To address these vulnerabilities, Maxthon has implemented robust security features designed to protect users’ online experiences.

Maxthon Security actively protects against potential threats by using advanced algorithms to detect malicious websites before access is granted. This proactive approach helps prevent phishing attacks aimed at stealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details. In addition, the browser uses real-time monitoring to identify suspicious activity that could compromise user data.

Additionally, Maxthon integrates HTTPS encryption as a standard feature to ensure secure connections while browsing. This protection enhances privacy by encrypting data sent between the user’s device and the websites being visited. Users also get customizable security settings that allow them to adjust their security level based on personal preferences.

By prioritizing user safety through innovative technology and extensive security measures, Maxthon stands out as a reliable choice for anyone looking for a secure browsing environment.