What Is Clickjacking: Causes, Example & Best Ways To Prevent It

In our digitally interconnected world, safeguarding information has become paramount. The proliferation of cyber threats has ushered in a new age of urgency in understanding and combatting online attacks. One such prominent attack method is “Clickjacking,” a deceptive technique that manipulates user actions unbeknownst to them, leading to potentially severe implications.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll illuminate the intricate workings of clickjacking, illustrate real-world examples, and provide robust strategies to fortify your digital assets against it.  So, buckle up as we delve into the world of clickjacking.

What is Clickjacking?

Clickjacking, a term coined from ‘click’ and ‘hijacking’, is a deceptive technique deployed by cybercriminals to trick users into performing unintended actions on a website, usually without their knowledge or consent. This is achieved by manipulating the user interface elements.

For example, you might accidentally like a post on social media, give away your password, or even spend your money without knowing it. Because clickjacking can cause a lot of trouble, it’s very important for everyone using the internet to understand what it is and how to avoid it.

What Causes Clickjacking?

Clickjacking arises from a combination of factors that work together to create a vulnerable environment for the attack. These factors primarily include web design practices, user behavior, and browser security gaps.

• The primary cause of clickjacking is the way web pages are designed and implemented. Cybercriminals exploit this feature to overlay malicious content on these websites.
• Often, users click on attractive offers, flashy ads, or interesting links without verifying the source’s legitimacy. This behavior makes it easier for attackers to trick users into clicking on concealed elements.
• Lastly, gaps in browser security allow clickjacking to occur. Some browsers don’t have sufficient security settings to block or warn about potential clickjacking threats.

Clickjacking Attack Examples

Let’s take a look some examples. By understanding these scenarios, we can better recognize and guard against potential threats.

Social Media Likejacking

One common example of clickjacking is “Likejacking” on social media platforms like Facebook. Here’s how it works:

A user visits a webpage and sees an intriguing button, perhaps promising access to an exclusive video or contest. When the user clicks on the button, they unwittingly “like” a completely unrelated page or post on Facebook. This action then appears on the user’s news feed, potentially drawing more victims to the clickjacked page.

Invisible Login Forms

Another example of a clickjacking attack involves invisible login forms. In this scenario, the attacker overlays an invisible login form over a legitimate webpage. When the user attempts to interact with the page, they unknowingly enter their login credentials into the hidden form, thus providing the attacker with their username and password.

Cursorjacking

Cursorjacking is another variation of clickjacking that manipulates the position of the mouse cursor on the screen, tricking users into clicking on hidden elements. Here’s an example of how it might work:

Let’s say a user is on a webpage with a button labeled “Download Free Software“. However, the actual position of the cursor has been tampered with by the attacker, and it doesn’t align with its displayed position. So, when the user attempts to click the button, they may unintentionally click on a hidden element or link, leading to unwanted actions, such as downloading malicious software.

Money Transfer Scams

Money transfer scams represent a more severe form of clickjacking. In these instances, attackers use the technique to trick users into transferring money without their consent. Here’s an example:

Imagine a user is browsing their online banking portal. A hidden layer, installed by the attacker, might be invisibly laid over the webpage. The user may believe they’re clicking on a harmless feature, like viewing their account balance. However, they might unknowingly be clicking on a concealed button or link that initiates a money transfer.

Best Ways To Prevent Clickjacking

While clickjacking poses a significant threat, there are several strategies you can employ to protect yourself. By implementing these measures, you can create a safer online environment for yourself and others.

• Enable Browser Security Settings – Most modern browsers come equipped with built-in security features designed to mitigate threats like clickjacking. Ensure these settings are activated. For instance, options like “X-Frame-Options” can prevent your browser from displaying content in frames, which are often used in clickjacking attacks.

• Update Software Regularly – Keeping your browser and other software updated is crucial. Developers constantly roll out updates to patch security vulnerabilities, including those that could be exploited in clickjacking attacks. Regularly updating your software ensures you have the latest security protections.

• Be Aware and Cautious – Exercising caution when clicking on links or buttons, especially on unfamiliar websites, is always a good idea. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay aware of your actions online to avoid falling into clickjacking traps.

• Use a Reliable Antivirus Software – Antivirus software can detect and block many threats, including clickjacking attacks. Ensure you use a reliable antivirus program and keep it updated to benefit from the latest threat databases.

• Install Web Browser Extensions – Some browser extensions are designed specifically to protect against clickjacking. They can warn you when you visit a website with potential clickjacking threats.

• Regularly Monitor Your Accounts – Regularly checking your online accounts, especially banking and social media, can help you spot any unusual activity that may indicate a clickjacking attack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, clickjacking is a prevalent and serious cyber threat, manipulating users into performing actions they never intended to. By disguising harmful actions behind innocent-looking web content, attackers can gain unauthorized access to our sensitive data or control over our actions.

By staying informed and implementing the prevention strategies discussed, we can continue to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. If you are looking to implement any of the Infosec compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 compliance, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance, Impanix can help. Book a Free consultation call with our experts or email us at  [email protected] for inquiries.