New Threat: Browser-Native Ransomware Emerges as the Latest Cybersecurity Challenge
Palo Alto, USA, March 28th, 2025 — A significant shift in the landscape of cyber threats has been identified with the rise of browser-native ransomware, an emerging tactic that could pose serious risks for organizations. Cybersecurity experts from SquareX have sounded the alarm, highlighting vulnerabilities in web browsers that could be exploited by malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to corporate resources.
Ransomware has long been a prominent threat to enterprises, with notorious attacks like WannaCry and the breach of MGM Resorts serving as stark reminders of how devastating these incidents can be. Chainalysis estimates that corporate entities spend close to $1 billion annually on ransomware payments, but the broader repercussions often include severe reputational damage and significant operational disruptions.
Historically, ransomware has concentrated on infiltrating the victim’s device via deceptive tactics to encrypt, delete, or otherwise compromise crucial data until a ransom is paid. However, the dynamic nature of work — increasingly reliant on cloud and Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings — has transformed the web browser into the primary interface through which employees interact with their operational tools. Consequently, rather than targeting individual devices, adversaries are honing in on browser vulnerabilities to launch more sophisticated attacks.
In a recent statement, Vivek Ramachandran, the founder of SquareX, expressed concern over the growing trend of exploiting browser security weaknesses. He noted, “With the recent uptick in browser-based identity attacks, we’ve observed the early signs of browser-native ransomware being concocted by adversaries. It is merely a matter of time before one adept attacker synthesizes these elements into a cohesive attack strategy.” The implication is clear: conventional endpoint security measures, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, may not suffice against this new breed of ransomware.
Browser-native ransomware operates without requiring file downloads, effectively bypassing traditional detection methods employed by endpoint security solutions. Instead of merely locking files, these attacks focus on compromising the victim’s digital identity, taking advantage of the prevalent adaptation to cloud-based storage systems. With browser-based authentication being the gateway to enterprise resources, the potential for significant breaches grows as these types of attacks unfold.
In certain scenarios modeled by SquareX, attackers could manipulate unsuspecting users into granting permissions to deceptive productivity applications. From there, these applications could potentially gain access to emails and systematically reset passwords for various SaaS applications, thereby locking users out of their own accounts and taking sensitive enterprise data hostage. Furthermore, the assault could extend to file-sharing platforms, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, enabling attackers to access and manipulate not only individual files but also shared content across collaborative environments.
This evolution poses a daunting challenge to IT security, as the infrastructure of traditional ransomware typically affects a single device. With browser-native ransomware, an individual’s misstep can compromise organization-wide resources, representing a considerable expansion of the attack surface. The trajectory of cybercriminals indicates they will continue following the data and workflows currently in vogue, increasing the urgency for businesses to rethink their browser security protocols.
In light of this emerging threat, it is paramount for enterprises to reassess their cybersecurity strategies. Just as EDR solutions became indispensable for defending against file-based ransomware, a dedicated solution focusing on browser-native threats is essential in preparing for the next wave of ransomware attacks. SquareX emphasizes that an in-depth understanding of client-side identity attacks will be vital for deterring future intrusions.
For further information on the implications of this critical cybersecurity research, please visit SquareX’s detailed report on browser-native ransomware. This initiative falls under the company’s broader project, "Year of Browser Bugs," aimed at exposing vulnerabilities within browser security architectures and existing defense mechanisms. For business owners, remaining informed about such developments is crucial in safeguarding their enterprises from these novel and sophisticated threats.
