The browser is a fundamental piece of our day to day. It is the tool that allows us to access countless websites, services and platforms. We have many options at our disposal. Some are even more security and privacy oriented. However, it is also a means widely used by hackers to sneak their attacks. In this article we are going to talk about how a browser could become a botnet .
A browser can become a botnet
Browsers can become the gateway for many varieties of malware. Simply by visiting a website that has been maliciously modified, we could download software that puts our privacy and security at risk. Adware, fake search bars, malicious add-ons… There are many causes.
Now, a report that we echo alerts of how our browser could become a botnet . Specifically, this can happen when installing an extension that has malicious code that includes a back door to a botnet. A company that rents access to more than 10 million web browsers so customers can hide their real Internet addresses has built its network by paying browser extension makers to stealthily include its code.
This company, Infatica , tries to attract developers of popular browser extensions. Many of these extensions can even have millions of users. This makes a third party interested in paying to enter hidden code. Ultimately it will reach many users.
The Infatica code then uses the browser of anyone who has that extension installed to route web traffic for the company’s customers, including marketers or anyone who can pay monthly subscription costs.
The end result is that when Infatica customers navigate to a website, that site believes that the traffic is coming from the Internet address linked to the user of the extension, not that of the customer.
This could make our browser become a botnet due to the extensions used, hence the importance of always controlling what we install and from what sources. It is important to avoid problems that compromise security. There are even privacy extensions for the browser.
How to use extensions safely
One of the most important points to use extensions safely is to download them from official sources . You always have to go to the browser’s own stores, where there is a filter so that add-ons that may be malicious do not sneak in. It is true that sometimes they have entered, but at least we have certain guarantees.
We must also update all extensions on a regular basis. Vulnerabilities can emerge that are exploited by hackers to infect computers. Hence the need to always have the latest versions available.
In addition, it is important to consult the information regarding an extension. There we will see well how it works, what information you can get from us, etc.
But another equally important issue is having a good antivirus installed. In this way, it will protect us from the entry of possible malware in the form of an extension or any complement. We must always protect our devices.