Introduction

As the world is more and more switched to the availability of the internet, web browsers act as portals to numerous services and data. However, such conveniences mean the existence of certain risks.

However, there is an emerging threat that is becoming worrying among cybersecurity professionals today, and these are ransom over browsers, which is commonly known as browser-based ransomware.

This article focuses on analyzing the increasing threats, indicating their nature, their effects, and, most of all, how one can avoid such threats.

What does Ransomware over Browsers mean?

Browser-based ransomware, or Ransomware over browsers is an advanced form of cybercrime. While earlier ransomware variants are usually found to be delivered with emails, attachments, and downloads, this variant solely relies on web browsers.

It is a particular class of malicious programs that can penetrate your device just by browsing regular websites; it may be accomplished without any files to download.

Also Read: What is Ransomware? Everything to Know About

Key Characteristics of browser-based Ransomware:

Web-Centric Delivery:

This variety of ransomware dissemination is usually implemented through a website or an ad that’s already infected. People can get infected as soon as they go to an abusive page.

One of the frequently seen cases is a vulnerability where the attacker is manipulating the file upload options on a website. The attackers might be targeting these features to introduce malicious code into the programs.

Compared to normal malware, browser-based ransomware can penetrate a system without the user running any file downloads.

JavaScript-Based Attacks:

This ransomware has many embodiments that rely on JavaScript so that the instructions for its further functioning are directly read in the browser.

Cross-Platform Threat:

Since it persists through web browsers, it is capable of infecting any OS via the browser that is prone to it.

Rapid Encryption:

Browser-based ransomware operates on the client side and, when launched, can engage in file encryption in the victim’s device within the shortest time.

Ransom Demands:

Similar to the heritage forms of the disease, browser-based ransomware extorts money in the form of cryptocurrency for the release of the files.

Also Read: What is Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)?

How browser-based ransomware works

• Initial Access: The attack typically begins when a user visits a compromised website or clicks on a malicious advertisement.
• Code Execution: In this type, actual code in JavaScript form executes in the context of the browser, either by exploiting a browser weakness or tricking people.
• Payload Delivery: It also downloads and executes the ransomware payload on the victim’s device and therefore does the main job.
• File Encryption: It is a type of virus that, in a very short time, encrypts the files that a user has on his/ her devic,e making the files unavailable.
• Ransom Demand: The message that is left appears on the victim’s screen and asks him or her to pay in exchange for a decryption key.

Also Read: RDoS Attacks Explained: Protecting Your Business from Ransom Threats

Common Infection Methods:

Malvertising:

The ransomware sources inject the ad that contains malicious code into the Advertising Networks, making the bitcoin ransom appear as legitimate online ads.

Compromised Websites:

Criminals take advantage of holes in numerous popular sites to insert their regional script that spreads to the clients.

Drive-by Downloads:

The virus executes itself, and its installation follows a user visiting a particular website with the malware.

Malicious File Uploads:

Now, using vulnerabilities that companies and organizations leave on their websites, hackers manage to put ransomware code into their files for users to open to initiate various types of malicious files.

This is where the users are tricked into making decisions that make them get infected; for instance, they are sent fake notifications for browser updates.

Also Read: What is Social Engineering? Techniques, Examples, Preventions

Impact of Browser-based Ransomware:

Data Loss:

It is especially satisfying when the offender is a competitor or a business partner because you deny them effective operation since they may lose the documents stored on the computer.

Financial Costs:

There are significant economic tolls for businesses and private persons; they have to pay ransoms or face significant expenses in the course of the recovery process.

Productivity Disruption:

Systems get locked and are rendered useless, hence becoming a source of system downtimes or reduced productivity.

Reputation Damage:

When it comes to the effects of ransomware on businesses, they are much more awful: the companies lose their customers’ trust and significantly harm their reputations.

Psychological Stress:

The loss of data is one of the most common complaints from victims, and stress and anxiety levelsare affected by ransom demands.

Network Spread:

Within the organization context, the ransomware might extend to other devices in the context of the organization’s network, thus aggravating the effects.

Long-term Consequences:

Despite this, organizations may continue to incur expenses for more security enhancements as well as legal concerns in the process of recovery.

Examples of browser-based ransomware:

• Ransom32: The earliest instance of the use of the JavaScript capability in the construction of ransomware, spread through malicious websites.
• RAA: A ransomware strain written entirely in JavaScript, often spread through malicious email attachments that link to infected web pages.
• CryptoWall: A well-known ransomware family that employed different delivery tactics, with the inclusion of browser attacks.
• Locky: It is famous for its professionalism in delivering its viruses, including such methods as infected websites and malvertising.
• SamSam: Although this is not browser-based ransomware, this malicious software has exploited the weakness of the web server to enter the targeted system.

Also Read: What is WannaCry Ransomware Attack?

Why Browser-based Ransomware is growing?

Ubiquity of Browsers:

Web browsers are present on almost all electronic devices and offer substantial opportunities for hackers.

Easy Distribution:

Hackers can potentially reach millions of users through the websites that they visit or advertisement networks.

Bypassing Traditional Security:

Even though browser attacks are frequent and sometimes not very sophisticated, they are difficult to detect using common tools such as antivirus software and firewalls.

Low Development Costs:

Malware developed in JavaScript is easy and cheap to design since it does not call for much technical know-how as compared to other malware.

Cross-Platform Nature:

Browser-based ransomware has the capability of infecting several operating systems, thus expanding its impact.

Evolving Web Technologies:

With time and the evolution of these features on the web, new holes are created that the attackers take advantage of.

User Trust in Websites:

From this, it is evident that people tend to trust familiar links, most commonly putting their faith in such websites and returning, becoming easy targets for hacked sites.

How to Prevent Browser-Based Ransomware?

Protecting against browser-based ransomware requires a multi-layered approach combining technical solutions, user education, and best practices.

Here are comprehensive strategies to prevent and mitigate this threat:

• Keep Browsers and Systems Updated
• Use Robust Security Software
• Implement Strong Browser Security Settings
• Practice Safe File Upload Habits
• Educate Users on Safe Browsing Practices
• Implement Ad Blockers and Script Blockers
• Use Network Security Measures
• Employ Browser Isolation Technology
• Maintain Regular, Secure Backups
• Use Secure DNS Services
• Enable HTTPS Everywhere
• Implement the Principle of Least Privilege
• Monitor Network Traffic
• Implement Email Security Measures
• Use Application Whitelisting
• Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Tools

Conclusion

These threats are steadily on the rise and effective ways of mitigating them include; Certera provides detailed cyber security solutions meant to help your organization fend off these new dangers.

It is crucial to inform you that our team of experts is always available to assist you in putting the above-discussed strategies to take effect and ensure that your systems are safe at all times.

Browser-based ransomware is an evolution that you surely do not want to face because this threat can severely compromise your data and ongoing business processes. Get in touch with Certera today and safeguard your business against this growing menace to your cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What characteristic(s) of browser-based ransomware distinguishes it from run-of-the-mill ransomware?

Web-based ransomware infects devices via browsers; hence the malware does not need to be downloaded to access the device. It exists as new generations of ransomware that can be distributed through infected websites or ads while visiting a genuine website, and hence not as easily avoided as ransomware that launches from an email attachment.

Can the function of private browsing mode help me avoid browser-based ransomware?

To sum it up, private browsing mode does not shield users from browser-based ransomware on its own. Thus, though it does not preserve the browsing history, it is equal to letting the code run in the browser. There should always be other precautions; for instance, always use the recent antivirus, ad blockers, and so on.

Is there a chance to determine what kind of websites can contribute to the propagation of browser-based ransomware?

However, any website can be the source of ransomware; however, the following are frequently used to distribute ransomware: These are piracy sites, adult sites, and sites that provide downloads of software and media for free. Nevertheless, anything can be faked, even a website that seems to be genuine; therefore, do not neglect the possibility.

Do you want to know for sure that at the moment your browser contains ransomware?

Some additional symptoms linked with the browser-based ransom saw might include frequent pop-up advertisements, decreased browser speed, frequent redirection to other websites unknown to the user, or, rather, the user’s inability to unlock his/her files. If you experience any one of them, leave the internet connection and scan the whole system with updated antivirus software.

Connect the dots showing that using Public Wi-Fi is dangerous for various cyber threats and especially for browser-based ransomware. If you have to connect to free public WI-FI, it is wise to connect to a proper VPN service provider. Do not attempt to check e-mail, or any other sensitive information, or perform any financial transactions on the facilities of a public network.