Clickjacking is an attack that tricks a user into clicking on something different from what the user perceives. It typically involves overlaying transparent elements on top of seemingly legitimate website content or applications, hiding clickable elements e.g. buttons or links. When users engage with these hidden features, they may unintentionally consent to the installation of malware or reveal sensitive data.
How does clickjacking work?
- Creating a malicious page – The attacker creates a webpage or overlays elements on top of a legitimate webpage. These elements are often invisible or disguised to appear as harmless components, such as buttons, links, or forms.
- Overlay design – The attacker positions these elements in such a way that they overlay the actual content that the user expects to interact with.
- Deceptive presentation – The attacker ensures that the visible content on the webpage looks legitimate and enticing to the user. This could involve mimicking the appearance of a trusted website or using social engineering tactics to encourage clicks.
- User interaction – When the user interacts with the visible elements, such as clicking on a button or filling out a form, they inadvertently interact with the hidden elements overlaid by the attacker’s webpage.
- Executing malicious actions – The hidden elements perform actions that the user did not intend or expect. These actions could include clicking on hidden buttons, submitting forms with sensitive information, or even granting permissions to access the user’s device or accounts.
To prevent clickjacking:
- Stay informed – Educate yourself and your team about clickjacking techniques and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats.
- Verify sources – Be cautious of unfamiliar websites and links.
- Keep software updated – Regularly update your software to patch security vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
- Report suspicious activity – If you encounter any suspicious behaviour or believe you’ve been targeted by a clickjacking attack, report it to the relevant authorities or cybersecurity experts for investigation.
