Palo Alto, Calif., Mar 28, 2025, CyberNewswire — The threat of ransomware continues to loom large over enterprises, with attacks like WannaCry and the MGM Resorts Hack causing significant damage. Chainalysis estimates that organizations are shelling out nearly $1 billion in ransom payments each year, but the true cost lies in the reputational harm and operational disruptions that follow these attacks.
Traditionally, ransomware attacks revolved around infecting the victim’s device and encrypting or deleting critical data until a ransom was paid. However, the landscape has shifted with the growing reliance on cloud and SaaS services, making the browser the new focal point for cybercriminals. This shift has opened the door to browser-native ransomware, a new breed of attacks that target the victim’s digital identity rather than their files.
SquareX, a cybersecurity company, has been at the forefront of uncovering browser vulnerabilities and issuing warnings about the emergence of browser-native ransomware. Founder Vivek Ramachandran warns of the impending threat posed by these attacks, highlighting the need for a browser-native solution to combat this new form of ransomware.
Unlike traditional ransomware that requires file downloads, browser-native ransomware operates stealthily by targeting the victim’s digital identity. These attacks leverage AI agents to automate the process, minimizing the need for extensive social engineering by the attacker. By exploiting the shift towards cloud-based storage and browser-based authentication, cybercriminals can hold enterprise data hostage without leaving a trace.
One alarming scenario involves tricking a user into granting access to a fake productivity tool, allowing the attacker to reset passwords and hijack accounts across various SaaS applications. Additionally, attackers can compromise file-sharing services like Google Drive and Dropbox, gaining access to sensitive data stored by the victim and their contacts.
The impact of browser-native ransomware extends beyond individual devices, posing a significant risk to entire organizations. With work and data increasingly moving to the cloud, attackers are shifting their focus to browsers as the new endpoint. This necessitates a reevaluation of browser security strategies, with a specialized browser-native solution being essential in thwarting these advanced ransomware attacks.
For more information on browser-native ransomware and SquareX’s Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution, users can visit the company’s website. SquareX’s ongoing research project, the Year of Browser Bugs, sheds light on various web attacks targeting browser vulnerabilities. As malicious actors evolve their tactics, it becomes crucial for enterprises to stay one step ahead by adopting cutting-edge cybersecurity measures.
Media Contact:
Junice Liew, Head of PR, SquareX
Email: junice@sqrx.com
Editor’s Note:
This press release was distributed by CyberNewswire as part of its press release syndication service. The opinions and claims expressed in this article belong to the issuing organization.
URL: https://www.lastwatchdog.com/news-alert-squarex-discloses-nasty-browser-native-ransomware-thats-undetectable-by-antivirus/
March 28th, 2025 | News Alerts | Top Stories