What threats affect the browser

Hackers can use very diverse attack methods to steal data or compromise the proper functioning of the systems. This also applies to your own browser and other applications that connect to the network. It is important to know what types of attacks can affect us when browsing and in this way be able to take measures to be protected.

False extensions

The first type of attack they can use to put the browser at risk is something that we use very frequently: the extensions. The accessories for Chrome or Firefox are very useful and there are many. For example, they are used to organize tabs, download managers, key managers, etc.

The problem is that hackers can use fake extensions for the victim to install and steal their data. Normally these accessories are usually in insecure sites, links that come to us on the Internet, etc. They pretend to be legitimate, but have actually been designed just to scam.

Through a false extension they could collect browsing history, passwords and personal data. They could even gain access to the browser to install other malicious plugins.

Session hijacking

Another type of threat that can affect the browser is session hijacking. When we log in In some online service, such as a social network, forum or anything, a unique session ID is assigned. This causes the device we use, such as a computer, to continuously exchange that identification to validate the session.

The problem comes when that authentication ID is not encrypted correctly. That can cause it to be intercepted by an attacker. You could hijack the session and act like they really are the rightful user. They could make purchases and payments, block an account, steal confidential information, etc.

Especially the browser can be vulnerable to this type of attack when you are connected to an insecure Wi-Fi network. For example in an airport or shopping center, where you don't really know who may be on that network.

SQL injection

One type of attack that also affects when browsing is the SQL injection. What an attacker does in this case is send SQL commands to a web server and try to access, modify or steal those stored data. They could corrupt a web form or cookies and manipulate them into injecting malicious code into the browser.

This will cause the victim, when entering a web page, to suffer a cyber attack when malicious code is executed. From there they could steal personal information, payment details, keys, etc. However, in this case it will affect the website we visit or the server we are trying to enter from the browser.

MitM or MitB attacks

In this case we are facing a type of attack that stands between the victim and a server that he tries to access. It is what is known as Man in the Middle attacks or, more specific to the browser, attacks Man in the Browser. The latter are responsible for intercepting browser traffic.

What they are going to do is capture traffic that we send and receive when entering a web page, login, etc. They can modify that traffic, steal information, passwords ... In addition, it could alter what we receive when entering a website. For example, it could lead us to a false web page that pretends to be legitimate.

Exploit browser vulnerabilities

Of course, an attacker could exploit a vulnerability in a browser. You could steal passwords or view browsing history if you take advantage of a known bug, either in the browser itself or in any extension that we have installed and that may have any vulnerability.

This is a classic, since there are many cyber attacks that affect all kinds of devices and that take advantage of this circumstance. Basically they are looking for a security flaw that appears in order to exploit it and achieve their objective.

Tips for maintaining safety

After explaining the main types of attacks that can affect your browser when entering web pages or logging into platforms, we are going to give some safety tips. The objective is to protect your personal data as much as possible and not run any type of danger.

Always have the updated browser

Something fundamental is to always have the updated browser correctly. In this way you can correct vulnerabilities and avoid some of the attacks that we have explained. Failures may appear that allow intruders to enter and give them the opportunity to steal personal information.

Therefore, you always have to have the latest versions installed. In the case of Google Chrome, go to the menu on the top right, click Help and give Google Chrome Information. It will automatically show which version you have installed and, in case there is a newer one, the installation will automatically start.

Something similar happens with other browsers like Firefox. You also have to go to Help and enter About Firefox and give it up to update. It is something that is usually done automatically, but failures may appear and you may have to do it manually.

Use security programs

Of course, to maintain security and avoid attacks in the browser we must always have security applications installed. It is important to have a good antivirus, such as Windows Defender itself or any alternative such as Avast or Bitdenfeder. There are many options, both free and paid, but you must always install one of guarantees.

But beyond using an antivirus, you can also count on other security programs such as a firewall or even extensions for the browser. There are some specific plugins to maintain security and prevent attacks, such as WOT or HTTPS Everywhere, that help maintain privacy.

Install plugins safely

If you go to install some extension, Even some security as we have shown, it is essential that you install them safely. You should always go to the official browser store, be it Chrome, Firefox or the one you use. You should avoid installing plugins from sources that are not secure.

An attacker could create a false extension or modify a legitimate one to be able to steal data. They can strain them on the Internet and use them as baits for the victim to download and they are actually adding malicious software that will jeopardize their security and privacy when browsing.

Common sense when visiting web pages

Of course, something essential is the common sense. In fact, we can say that most attacks are going to need us to make a mistake. For example clicking on a malicious link, downloading a file that is actually malware, installing a fake browser plugin, etc.

What you should do is always keep safe browsing, enter sites that are reliable, and be careful when downloading files or installing anything. This will avoid many types of attacks in the browser that can put your data at risk and also the proper functioning.

Avoid insecure networks

Some attacks like Man in the Browser may appear when we connect to insecure Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, it is essential to avoid those that may be a danger. For example, we talk about Wi-Fi networks in public spaces, such as an airport or a shopping center.

In case you have to connect to an unreliable site, you can always use a program VPN. What this type of application does is encrypt the connection and allow personal data to be protected when browsing the network. You can use options like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, they work very well.

In short, as you have seen there are many attacks that can affect a browser and put your data at risk when you enter the Internet. It is important that you take precautionary measures at all times and protect your personal data online. You can use the tips we have shown to improve security.