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By now, users are hyper-aware of not downloading any suspicious software, as it could be some kind of malware. However, as ransomware attacks continue to grow in both frequency and impact, cybersecurity experts are warning of a new and sophisticated threat: browser-native ransomware. With the increasing use of cloud services and web-based applications, attackers are now finding ways to exploit browsers themselves, without needing to directly compromise a device.
Traditionally, ransomware attacks have targeted devices, exploiting vulnerabilities in files or applications. However, with the shift towards cloud storage and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, much of the critical data and business workflows are now stored and processed in web browsers. This shift has opened new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit, leading to the rise of browser-native ransomware.
A report from cybersecurity firm SquareX warns that browser-native ransomware represents a dangerous evolution of this threat. Unlike traditional ransomware, which typically requires file downloads or system infections to activate, browser-native ransomware operates entirely within the browser, bypassing conventional security tools designed to detect malicious files or processes. This makes it far harder to detect and, as the report suggests, could potentially lead to large-scale attacks where the device itself is never directly compromised.
SquareX highlights several scenarios in which such attacks could unfold. For example, an attacker might mimic a legitimate app to gain access to a victim’s Google Drive, exfiltrating and deleting sensitive files, then demanding a ransom to prevent their release. Similarly, a malicious app could compromise email services, systematically resetting passwords for linked applications and stealing critical data.
With cybercriminals already experimenting with browser-native techniques, experts warn that it is only a matter of time before we see large-scale ransomware campaigns exploiting this new vector. As web-based tools become increasingly central to both personal and business operations, the need for enhanced browser security and proactive threat detection has never been more urgent.
