Google announced a new security update to block users sign-in using Embedded browser frameworks in order to improve the protection against Phishing and MitM attacks.
Jonathan Skelker, Product Manager and Account Security at Google said,
“Form of phishing, known as “man in the middle” (MITM), is hard to detect when an embedded browser framework (e.g., Chromium Embedded Framework – CEF) or another automation platform is being used for authentication. “
Cybercriminals abusing this technology to perform Man-in-the-Middle attacks and steal the user’s credentials by intercepting the web traffic when Embedded browsers frameworks help users for the automated login process.
Embedded Browser Frameworks Lets Hackers Intercept the Traffic
If any users enter the Google account credentials on the phishing page that using Embedded browser frameworks will automate the login process by interacting with the original Google server.
Meanwhile,
Because we can’t differentiate between a legitimate sign in and a MITM attack on these platforms, we will be blocking sign-ins from embedded browser frameworks starting in June, Google said.
To prevent users from login based attacks, last year Google announced JavaScript to be enabled is require in your browser when users sign in so that Google can run a risk assessment whenever credentials are entered on a sign-in page and block the sign-in if we suspect an attack.
Similarly this new announcement brings more protection from credentials based phishing and Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
As an alternative method to embedded browser frameworks, Google suggested that developers use browser-based OAuth authentication, which enables users to see the full URL of the page where they’re entering their credentials.
“If you are a developer with an app that requires access to Google Account data, switch to using browser-based OAuth authentication today.”
Jonathan Skelker said.
You can follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook for daily Cybersecurity updates also you can take the Best Cybersecurity courses online to keep your self-updated.
Related Read
Miner Malware Uses Multiple Propagation Methods to Infect Windows Machines and to Drop Monero Miner
Two Hackers of Bayrob Malware Gang Convicted for Infecting more than 400,000 Computers Worldwide