Description : The 2024 Browser Security Report reveals how browser vulnerabilities, unmanaged devices, and malicious extensions create a minefield of security threats in every web session. Learn about the risks and how to protect your organization.
United States - browser security has become a critical concern for enterprises around the world. With the browser serving as the most prevalent workspace for employees, it is increasingly becoming a favored attack vector for cybercriminals.
From account takeovers and malicious browser extensions to phishing schemes and data breaches, the browser has become a battleground where sensitive data and organizational systems are constantly under threat.
Security leaders looking to future-proof their security architecture need comprehensive insights into the ever-evolving browser threat landscape.
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The recently released “2024 Annual Browser Security Report” by LayerX offers a detailed analysis of the emerging risks associated with browser use.
It serves as an invaluable tool for decision-makers, enabling them to benchmark their environments against industry challenges and make informed, actionable decisions to protect their organizations.
The rise of hybrid work has introduced new security risks as unmanaged devices and personal browser profiles have become vectors for cyber threats.
According to the report, 62% of the workforce is using unmanaged devices to access corporate data, and 45% of all browsers on corporate devices run personal profiles.
This widespread use of personal devices for work purposes increases the potential for data leakage and phishing attacks.
Personal devices often lack the robust security features of managed corporate systems, and personal browser profiles are more likely to be exposed to malware and malicious websites.
Without adequate protection, these unmanaged devices pose significant risks to enterprise data security.
One of the most concerning findings in the report is the high risk posed by browser extensions. An alarming 33% of all extensions used within organizations present some form of security risk, and 1% of these extensions are identified as outright malicious.
These deceptive extensions are frequently leveraged by attackers to hijack user data, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malware into browsing sessions.
Since browser extensions often require permissions that provide access to sensitive data, they have become a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise corporate security.
Another major threat revealed in the report is the proliferation of Shadow SaaS applications. These unauthorized SaaS apps, often adopted by employees without IT oversight, create blind spots in security, leading to vulnerabilities in identity management and data protection.
When employees use unvetted SaaS applications, it becomes challenging for security teams to monitor and control access to sensitive information.
This clandestine use of third-party software also increases the risk of data breaches and makes organizations more susceptible to supply chain attacks.
Shared accounts and Single Sign-On (SSO) practices have become commonplace in many organizations, but these approaches can significantly heighten the risk of unauthorized access.
For example, the infamous 23andMe data breach demonstrated the dangers of shared accounts, where cybercriminals exploited shared login credentials to access sensitive genetic data.
Similarly, SSO systems, while convenient, can also be a double-edged sword. Once attackers gain access to a single account, they can often compromise multiple systems, further exacerbating the potential damage.
The report also highlights emerging threats related to Generative AI (Gen-AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT. The findings reveal that 7.5% of employees risk exposing sensitive data by pasting or typing proprietary information into AI tools.
This behavior represents a significant security gap, as many organizations have yet to fully grasp the potential risks associated with the widespread use of AI in corporate environments.
Without proper guardrails, Gen-AI tools could inadvertently expose sensitive corporate data, opening up new avenues for exploitation.
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Conversely, AI is also being weaponized by cybercriminals. The report warns of AI-powered threats that enhance traditional attacks such as malware, phishing, and browser extension exploitation.
Attackers are increasingly using AI-driven personalization to make their tactics more convincing and harder to detect.
AI algorithms can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain attacks, making them more destructive and harder to defend against.
The report concludes with a focus on unpatched vulnerabilities within browsers, which continue to be a significant security risk.
The findings show notable differences in patching times between different browsers, leaving some more exposed than others. Keeping browsers updated with the latest security patches is critical to preventing exploitations of known vulnerabilities.
To combat the threats outlined in the report, the analysts at LayerX recommend a multifaceted approach to browser security. The following strategies can help organizations strengthen their defenses and reduce the risk of cyberattacks:
Ensuring that all browsers are regularly updated and security patches are promptly applied is a fundamental measure for reducing exposure to vulnerabilities.
Browser developers frequently release patches to address newly discovered security flaws, so staying current with updates is essential to maintaining a strong security posture.
Given the significant risks posed by malicious extensions, organizations should implement strict policies that restrict the installation of unauthorized extensions.
Regularly reviewing and auditing extension permissions is critical to preventing data theft and unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
One of the most effective ways to reduce phishing risks is through employee training. Educating employees on how to identify and report suspicious emails, websites, and browser behavior can significantly lower the chances of a successful phishing attack.
To address the risks associated with unmanaged devices and personal browser profiles, organizations should implement conditional access controls that limit access to corporate data based on device type, location, and security posture. In addition, promoting clear Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies can help secure personal devices used for work purposes.
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the organization is a key step in preventing account takeovers.
Furthermore, educating employees on the importance of strong passwords and encouraging the use of password managers can bolster security against credential-based attacks.
Enforcing secure browser configurations and whitelisting only trusted extensions can help limit the potential attack surface.
This reduces the likelihood of employees installing malicious extensions or misconfiguring their browsers in ways that make them vulnerable.
Restricting access to sensitive data based on user roles is another effective strategy for minimizing security risks.
By ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical systems and data, organizations can reduce the potential impact of insider threats and data breaches.
Finally, organizations should invest in advanced tools that can detect, analyze, and respond to browser-based threats.
These tools provide security teams with deeper visibility into browsing activity, enabling them to identify suspicious behavior and mitigate threats before they cause significant damage.
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