Top 3 Browser Sandbox Threats That Bypass Modern Security Tools

Hello! You most likely do just about everything online in your browser: reading, checking email, working, banking, or talking to your AI assistant. I was under the impression that I was safe and secure using "browser sandbox" protection. That is, until I learned there are attacks that actually bypass the security measures. So let's look at the top 3 attacks your browser sandbox could be subjected to and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Exactly is a Browser Sandbox?​

A browser sandbox is a protective container that isolates or mitigates the impact of dangerous websites or malicious code contained on your machine. Sandbox protection was meant to allow your browser to be separated from the rest of your machine. Sounds safe, right? Here is the rub - browser convenience isn't as secure, as the whole point of your browser is convenience.

Most of us will be in a browser for hours at a time using cloud apps and other online tools, and many security applications won't even look at what's going on in a browser. It's important to remember, this is an area that hackers count on as their weakest link.

Top 3 Threats to your Browser​

1- Credential Hijacking

This threat crosses the line. Credential hijacking happens when a bad actor steals your login session, password, or something worse, both! Credential hijacking can sometimes occur even with two-step authentication turned on.

• Fake phishing websites that have similar themes or links that look safe.
• Once they are in your browser they can hijack a credential session.

Once I clicked a link that looked real but wasn't- and that is how I learned how quickly you can lose control.

2- Extension Exploits

Some browser extensions look harmless but steal your data or just vomit ads.

• They can read everything you do online
• You install them, and they silently collect your data, which they aggregate and use.

Before you install an extension, always check it.

3- Lateral Movement

Once hackers gain access to your browser, they sometimes utilize legitimate browser functions, such as downloading or access to the clipboard, to move laterally into deeper parts of your computer or into your network.

It is like coming in through the side door even though you locked the front door!

Keeping Secure​

A few pointers to keep you secure:

• Implement multi-factor authentication on ALL accounts
• Don’t install any unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted extensions
• Always investigations for odd things in your browser (logins, pop-ups and so on)
• Utilize a browser or browser add-on security solution that captures some activity data

Final Thoughts​

The three threats are all credential theft, malicious extensions, and lateral movement, and all in browsers, because they were all able to bypass traditional security. So the next time you use Chrome, Edge, or Safari, just remember your browser is your first line of defense. Make sure it's clean, up-to-date, and your eyes are are opened.