Internet browsers largely rely on their Web browsers to protect them from common malware threats. Unfortunately, too much reliance on Web browser security could put people at a greater risk of falling victim to clickjacking attacks. A combination of smart surfing and the right browser, however, might offer better security.
Clickjacking on the Internet
Clickjacking, also known as UI redressing, is a hacking technique that hides links on invisible browser frames. For instance, a person filling out an online survey could actually be entering information into a credit card application. It’s a sneaky trick that thousands of people fall victim to every year.
Clickjacking with Social Engineering
Hackers often use social engineering ruses to trick people into clicking their clickjacked links. Social networking sites and some online colleges of course are notorious for spreading gossip about celebrities. A large number of these posts are not only unfounded, but connected to clickjacked pages that can steal information from users or take over some of their computers’ operations. The key to avoiding many clickjack attacks, therefore, is knowing how to spot problematic links. When you avoid gossipy links about Justin Beiber and Hannah Montana, you significantly reduce your risk of encountering clickjacked links.
Protection from Web Browsers
Certain Web browsers offer some protection from clickjacking attacks, but none of them consistently protect people from every type of attack on online. Firefox, for example, works pretty well, especially when users add the No Script plug-in application. In reality, though, the false sense of protection that this offers could potentially cause more harm.
As mobile devices that connect to the Internet become more popular, the risk of encountering clickjacks through smartphones also increases. As the threat grows, Internet users will have to recognize that their browsers can only offer so much protection. The rest is up to them. If they don’t make smart choices while surfing they Web, then they will likely encounter a clickjack at some point.