Daily Web Browsing Threats: Trackers & JavaScript Security Risks
Trackers and JavaScript that are enabled while you browse can put your device at risk of several security issues. Here is a list of the everyday JavaScript security risks that come with these technologies and how they can affect the safety of your devices.
1. Breach of Data Privacy
Collecting Data Without Permission:
Trackers that are built into JavaScript can get a lot of information about what you do online, like what websites you visit, what keys you press or type, and even personal information. Many times, this information is given to outsiders without your clear permission, which could be against your privacy and rules like GDPR and HIPAA and represents a big JavaScript security risk.
Leakage of Private Information:
Studies have shown that many websites leak private information about their users, like usernames and passwords, by setting up their cookies incorrectly. Malicious apps can record keystrokes, so this can happen even if the information is not sent.
2. Vulnerability To Attacks
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):
Attackers can put malicious code on a website by taking advantage of flaws in JavaScript. This can allow hackers to get into user data without their permission, take over their sessions, or send them to harmful websites.
Harmful Tracking Scripts:
There are some trackers that may be made to do bad things to your device. As an example, they could use JavaScript to let criminals in or download malware without your knowledge.
3. Risks Of Social Engineering
Attacks With Phishing:
Trackers can be used to get information about users that could be used to make attacks easier. Attackers can send phishing emails or texts that are more likely to work if they know how users act and what they like. For more information on this, we recommend checking: Top Security Tips to Prevent Social Engineering on Social Networks
Advertising That Tricks People:
Trackers let advertisers make very specific ads based on what websites you visit, which can lead to dishonest practices that take advantage of weak points in users.
Safety Measures Against JavaScript Security Risks
1. Use The Safety Features of Your Browser to Reduce JavaScript Security Risks
Stop Cookies From Third Parties: You can block third-party cookies in most current browsers. This stops advertisers from tracking you and lowers the amount of information that is gathered about you.
Turn on Strict HTTPS Settings: When you browse, always make sure you’re on a safe connection (HTTPS). This keeps your data protected while it’s being sent and helps protect against man-in-the-middle attacks hence lowering JavaScript security risks.
For instance is recommended to use any browser that allows extensions, such as Edge, Chrome, Brave, or Firefox this last one allows to use extensions even on its mobile version.
2. Keep Software Up To Date
Updating Your Browser Is Important: Always keep your computer browser or mobile device browser up to date with the latest security patches. This reduces the number of vulnerabilities that bad scripts could use to get in.
Add Extensions For Security: You might want to add privacy-enhancing browser add-ons, like ad blockers or script blockers (like NoScript), which stop websites from running scripts that aren’t supposed to.
3. Keep An Eye on What You Do Online
Review Permissions: Make sure you check the website and app permissions are given on a regular basis. When you can, limit who can see private information. For more details on how to do this on Android devices, please check the article: Advanced Android Privacy Settings.
Get Rid of Cookies And Cache: Do it every time you open your browser, clear your cookies and cache. This limits the amount of data that trackers can get and that is kept. This is usually located on each browser settings, for example on Firefox is under the Privacy & Security tab.
4. Learn How To Keep Yourself Safe.
Being Aware Of Phishing Techniques: Learn about common phishing tricks and how to spot links or texts that seem fishy. You won’t fall for social engineering attacks if you know these things. For further information on this, we recommend checking the article: Advanced Phishing Protection: How to Spot Sophisticated Phishing Websites.
Use Tools That Care About Privacy: Think about using search engines and websites that care more about privacy and protecting user data than making money from ads.
You can take steps to protect your device’s security and your privacy online by learning about the risks of cookies and JavaScript security risks while you browse the web. Taking these precautions will make you safer online generally and make it much less likely that you will be exposed to threats.