You should know how to stop scripts, as they can be a major security risk on the web. Attackers can maliciously use them to bypass security settings.
This article explains what scripts are and what an attacker can do with them. Also, you can learn how to prevent scripts from running in your browser.
Have you ever looked at the source of a web page? Have you seen things like “Ads by Google” or “Ads by WordPress.” These ads got there through ad scripts.
What Are they? Why should you stop scripts?
A script is a piece of code. It uses instructions to find information on a web page and performs a task upon that page. Its purpose is to exist on a page so that a user may access it without the need for additional information.
Scripts are placed in sections of the HTML document. Because they are only text, they are the smallest pieces of code. They should make users’ lives easier while browsing. So, users do not have to rewrite their credentials each time they access a certain website.
But they can also be very dangerous. Hackers can write them to perform malicious operations. They may take advantage of the user-supplied information. Then, they can mine cryptocurrency on a blockchain, for example.
How do they work and where is the danger?
Every time you login to a web server, your browser gets a new script or plugin. Then, the browser runs that script. If it is a browser plugin, your browser is tricked into installing that particular plugin.
An attacker can use a clever kind of script called a “binary injection.” This attacks trick victim’s browser. Thus, the browser will run a piece of malware or a piece of remotely attacking code.
The browser asks a valid question to a web server. For this, it reveals information about the browser, OS, or system of the hacked site. The injected code can then install the bad piece to continue running. Or the browser can be tricked into going to a fake site or executing the hackers’ information.
So, when the script finds the authentication cookies, it will tell the browser what website the user is trying to connect to. Then, it will write information to a file on the server.
Learn how to block the bad ones
There is more than one way to block the bad scripts, when you visit a website. By blocking them, you deactivate them. Thus, it makes harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
But you should do this on each and every browser that you use. And the procedure is different for each of them. Also, average users might not have all the skills to use them.
That’s why they will not be able to block all the attacks. So, the only safe and easy way to block scripts is to use an ad blocker that also blocks scripts.
Ad Guardian Plus is the Windows native ad blocker that can do what browser extensions can not. It blocks scripts before they reach your browser. Download it and make sure yourself.
