Unseen Threats: How Browser-Based Attacks Are Taking Enterprises by Surprise

Browser-based attacks are a significant threat that many organizations face, with 95% of enterprises experiencing such attacks last year. These attacks often go unnoticed by traditional security tools, as attackers operate within trusted browser sessions where visibility is limited after login.

Recent incidents involving ShadyPanda, Cyberhaven, and Trust Wallet highlight the evolving nature of browser-based attacks. Attackers are not relying on zero-day vulnerabilities or bypassing perimeter defenses but are instead exploiting trusted browser sessions to carry out their malicious activities.

Experts like Sam Evans, CISO of Clearwater Analytics, emphasize the importance of securing the browser, given that it is the primary execution environment for many enterprise tasks. Traditional security architectures often fail to address the unique challenges posed by browser-based threats, such as encrypted traffic going uninspected and lack of control over data shared in AI tools.

The rise of browser extensions further complicates the security landscape, with many enterprise users having at least one extension with high permissions. Detecting and mitigating threats posed by browser extensions require a comprehensive approach that considers browser behavior, identity posture, and endpoint signals.

Understanding attack patterns like the long game, credential hijack, and API key leak is crucial for developing effective security strategies. Attackers can exploit trusted sessions to perform malicious activities, highlighting the importance of correlating browser behavior with identity and endpoint signals in real-time.

As the use of AI tools and GenAI applications increases, organizations must be vigilant about potential data exfiltration risks. Implementing controls at the browser layer can help prevent unauthorized data transfers and protect sensitive information from being compromised.

Security vendors like CrowdStrike are investing heavily in browser security solutions, underscoring the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in the browser layer. Whether through browser isolation or layered protection, organizations must integrate browser security with identity and endpoint management to effectively mitigate threats.

In conclusion, securing the browser that employees use daily is crucial for protecting enterprise data and systems. By implementing browser-layer controls, organizations can reduce their exposure to browser-based attacks and enhance overall security posture. Addressing the browser security gap requires a proactive approach that considers browser behavior, extension management, and data protection measures.