Web browser security consists of all measures, procedures, and policies necessary to protect users accessing the Internet from a web browser application.
Almost everyone online has a web browser available on their computer or mobile device. Since it is so common, hackers and other cybercriminals prefer to launch compromising attacks on this client-side application.
A web browser can store information for your convenience, but others may eventually access the information. Therefore, it provides a large surface area for exposure to email accounts, usernames, all sorts of passwords, and personal or corporate information. Attackers often target the web browser to hijack or sniff the web traffic from it. They may also use it as a means to access the device itself or any files available on it.
How do hackers attack web browsers?
There are several ways that hackers can attack web browsers, including the following:
- Malicious websites: Hackers can create malicious websites designed to exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers or trick users into divulging sensitive information. For example, a hacker might create a website that looks like a legitimate login page but is actually designed to capture the user’s login credentials.
- Malicious ads: Hackers can also use malicious ads, also known as “malvertising,” to attack web browsers. These ads can contain malware or redirect users to malicious websites.
- Malicious extensions: Hackers can create malicious extensions or plugins for web browsers and distribute them through third-party websites or trick users into installing them. These extensions can contain malware or perform other malicious actions.
- Exploits: Hackers can also exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers or the software they are running on to gain access to a user’s device or steal sensitive information.
To protect against these types of attacks, it is important to keep your web browser and any extensions or plugins that you have installed up to date, use caution when clicking on links, and use an antivirus program to scan your device for malware. Using a reputable web browser and enabling security features such as two-factor authentication and secure browsing (HTTPS) is also a good idea.
