The reason attackers focus on browsers is not because of the technology itself, but because of what lies beyond them. When a user logs into a SaaS tool, an ERP system, or a customer database, the browser acts as the entryway. Incidents such as the Snowflake customer data breach and ongoing attacks against Salesforce users demonstrate that attackers no longer need to compromise entire networks; they simply exploit the session and gain direct access to enterprise assets.
Phishing remains one of the most common browser-driven threats, but it has grown increasingly sophisticated. Attackers now rely on advanced Attacker-in-the-Middle kits that steal not only passwords but also active sessions, rendering multi-factor authentication useless. These phishing campaigns are often cloaked with obfuscation and hosted on legitimate SaaS infrastructure, making them difficult to detect. In other cases, attackers deliver malicious code through deceptive mechanisms such as ClickFix, which disguises harmful commands as verification prompts. Variants like FileFix are spreading across both Windows and macOS, frequently planting infostealer malware designed to harvest credentials and session cookies.
Another growing risk comes from malicious OAuth integrations, where attackers trick users into approving third-party applications that secretly provide them with access to corporate systems. This method proved devastating in recent Salesforce-related breaches, where hackers bypassed strong authentication and gained long-term access to enterprise environments. Similarly, compromised or fraudulent browser extensions represent a silent but dangerous threat. These can capture login details, hijack sessions, or inject malicious scripts, as highlighted in the Cyberhaven incident in late 2024.
File downloads remain another effective attack vector. Malware-laced documents, often hidden behind phishing portals, continue to slip past traditional defenses. Meanwhile, stolen credentials still fuel account takeovers in cases where multi-factor authentication is weak, absent, or improperly enforced. Attackers exploit these gaps using ghost logins and bypass techniques, highlighting the need for real-time browser-level monitoring.
As attackers increasingly exploit the browser as a central point of entry, organizations must prioritize visibility and control at this layer. By strengthening browser security, enterprises can reduce identity exposure, close MFA gaps, and limit the risks of phishing, malware delivery, and unauthorized access. The browser has become the new endpoint of enterprise defense, and protecting it is no longer optional.
