How to address rising browser-based risks

As organizations increasingly rely on web-based applications and remote work, browsers have become a critical access point to business resources – and an emerging target for cyberattacks. 

In many cases, web browsers have become the exclusive tool for productivity in today’s workplace, primarily due to the wide use of web and SaaS applications. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global Software as a Service (SaaS) market size is projected to grow from $315.68 billion in 2025 to $1.13 trillion by 2032, a CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period.

As organizations also open their networks to remote workforces and external stakeholders, web browsers can potentially expand the attack surface. Threat actors are well aware of browser vulnerabilities and constantly develop new attack methods targeting those vulnerabilities to bypass more mature security solutions like secure web gateways (SWG), secure email gateways (SEG), and endpoint detection and response (EDR). 

For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security leaders, the need for robust browser-based security is no longer optional. Verizon’s browser-based Zero Trust capabilities can offer an essential layer of protection, helping to address the unique vulnerabilities of this digital battleground.

The last mile is the browser as the workforce shifts to working from anywhere, whether at home, in the office, or at other locations. Users can access the browser on any device and work with the tools and data they have access to. This is similar to how contractors can be given access. 

As we move to web applications and need to secure the browser, how can we ensure secure delivery of apps when the enterprise doesn't control user devices? A solution is to provide a secure endpoint through the browser and give access to applications or data. This access can be shut off when the user is finished, eliminating the need to reclaim PCs or other devices.  

Why browser-based security matters

Lookout, Inc., identified 80,400 malicious apps on enterprise devices in Q2 2024. This highlights how browsers have become a central point of access to corporate systems, which turns browsers into prime targets. 

The second important aspect that continues to be a challenge is human error. In the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) dataset, the human element was a component of 68% of breaches, roughly the same as the previous period described in the 2023 DBIR.

Also in Verizon’s 2024 DBIR, ransomware appears as a top threat across 92% of industries, with 32% of breaches involving ransomware or other extortion techniques. Organizations need browser-based security solutions to help isolate activity, prevent malware interaction with operating systems, and shrink the attack surface.

Evolving threats addressed by browser-based security

Because browser-based security has become pivotal to helping safeguard against current and emerging threats, Verizon’s cybersecurity capabilities can help CISOs address attack vectors, including:

• Phishing attempts that deceive users into revealing sensitive information by mimicking legitimate websites or organizations. Users typically do not associate phishing attacks with browser security, yet phishing emails usually direct use to the browser. Browser security features such as anti-phishing filters and URL verification can help verify website authenticity, which can help block suspicious websites and better protect users from fraudulent schemes. 

• Code injection attacks that involve inserting malicious code into a web application or website, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access or control. Browser security measures such as input validation can help prevent attackers from inserting malicious code into web applications, which can help safeguard data integrity.

• Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks that exploit web application vulnerabilities to inject malicious scripts into the browser, which can later be executed when a user visits a compromised website. XSS filters can block malicious scripts that exploit browser vulnerabilities, helping to mitigate data theft or session hijacking.

• Forgery attacks that manipulate data or information to make it appear legitimate. Using secure communications protocols (HTTPS) and digital certificates can help validate the authenticity of websites and reduce data manipulation risks.

Regular updates, patches, and cautious browsing practices can help enterprises ensure that the browser remains a robust frontline against emerging threats.

How browser-based security fits into Zero Trust

Zero Trust is designed to address modern security challenges by focusing on ongoing access validation to protect critical endpoints. And because 62% of authentications to corporate networks now occur through mobile and non-traditional operating systems, according to the Verizon 2024 Mobile Security Index, browsers serve as both a vital access point and a potential vulnerability.

Verizon’s browser-based Zero Trust capabilities can enable near real-time inspection and isolation to help address threats before they infiltrate business-critical networks. By comparing signals from users, endpoints, identities and applications, Zero Trust systems can enable automatic attack disruption without waiting for manual intervention. So if an anomaly is detected, the system can help isolate compromised assets to prevent lateral movement, reducing the risk of a wider breach.

Features like browser isolation and near real-time malware detection make Verizon’s solutions critical for helping to secure sensitive workloads and aiding in the prevention of ransomware or phishing attacks.

A new approach to help protect hybrid workers 

Enterprise Browser (EB) solutions incorporate and effectively consolidate many capabilities into a new secure browser (just to name a few: security plugins and add-ons,  secure access, web security controls like VPNs, web & content filtering, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and threat detection, among others.) This simplifies the job of managing and protecting web application access. 

With EB solutions, we can now begin to see the browser as the ‘first’ line of defense in securing an organization from web-based threats, while also reducing organization spend on disparate, un-integrated and expensive security point solutions. Verizon recognizes the potential of EB solutions to disrupt and potentially replace or enhance traditional security point solutions, in which enterprises have already heavily invested.

What’s more, EB solutions greatly improve an organization’s capabilities in addressing and applying security risk and compliance methodologies. EB solutions help ensure an expedited reduction in the organization’s overall attack surface and can instantly re-invigorate any languishing Zero Trust program that may currently be on the back burner because the legacy network environment needs to be almost completely replaced before an organization can start deploying Zero Trust.

With EB solutions, many of these capabilities can be consolidated into the browser for a more coherent and comprehensive approach to web access-related security programs, such as:

• Remote access VPN (within the browser)

• DLP and obfuscation for web/SaaS applications

• Dynamic web page scanning to detect and prevent access to and sharing and execution of malicious code, content, and files

• User and web page behavioral analysis

• Sandboxing and browser isolation

• Web application and browser/extension/add-on whitelisting and management

• Privileged access management (PAM) for web applications

• Automation of both web application tasks/workflows and security response actions

• Monitoring and analysis for all web application/SaaS access

EB solutions offer comprehensive protection that extends beyond basic threat defense. These solutions allow organizations to implement granular controls that distinguish between personal and professional use. This enables the implementation of deep protection measures, such as keylogging or screen capture, which can be selectively applied based on user roles, job functions, or specific security requirements. By providing this level of control, EB solutions simplify the management of the numerous applications used within an organization and ensure that users can only access them in a secure and compliant manner.

Verizon’s Zero Trust capabilities

Verizon’s browser-based security solutions are engineered to help enhance security for enterprise operations by embedding Zero Trust principles into browser defenses. These capabilities can provide a comprehensive and scalable approach to helping protect sensitive data, applications, and user interactions, by providing:

1. Secure remote access without Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – VPNs have long been a cornerstone of enterprise security, but they are increasingly viewed as a potential liability. This is because traditional VPNs can introduce latency and bottlenecks, slowing down productivity, and their reliance on single access points can make them vulnerable to phishing and credential theft. Also, VPNs funnel traffic through centralized gateways, which can create performance bottlenecks and limit scalability especially for employees working remotely.
   Verizon’s Zero Trust Dynamic Access (ZTDA) service eliminates the need for legacy VPNs by offering a secure, cloud-native solution that supports direct-to-resource access. This helps reduce latency, improve user experience, and provides access that is dynamically granted based on near real-time risk assessment. ZTDA’s design addresses the scalability needs of modern enterprises by enabling secure remote work without the limitations of traditional VPNs.
2. Simplified access management – Access management is a cornerstone of Zero Trust, and Verizon’s ZTDA helps provide granular, per-request authentication. Every access attempt is evaluated in near real-time, incorporating contextual factors such as device health, user behavior and geographic location. This continuous verification helps to confirm that only authorized users gain access to sensitive resources.
   Verizon’s system is particularly effective at preventing credential-based attacks, such as those stemming from stolen or phished credentials. By enforcing dynamic access policies, ZTDA can help mitigate risks associated with unauthorized entry and enhance organizational resilience against insider threats. These features also make it easier for CISOs to streamline access control while maintaining robust security standards.
3. Advanced threat prevention – Verizon integrates sandboxing and near real-time malware detection directly into the browser environment, creating a robust defense against web-based threats. By isolating browsing sessions, sandboxing can help mitigate malicious content from interacting with the underlying system, helping to neutralize threats like ransomware or zero-day exploits before they can spread. 
   Also, Verizon’s malicious content filtering monitors and can aid in intercepting harmful content, such as phishing links or drive-by downloads before they reach users. This proactive approach can help CISOs reduce the attack surface and better secure their broader networks. Designed to be intuitive and efficient, Verizon’s threat prevention capabilities empower security teams to respond to emerging threats.
4. Fortified compliance – Regulatory compliance is a top priority especially in sectors handling sensitive data, such as healthcare, finance, and retail. Verizon has some browser-based security solutions that include data loss prevention (DLP) support that can help safeguard confidential information from being exposed through compromised websites or malicious downloads. 
5. Enhanced scalability and user experience – Designed to be scalable and user-friendly, Verizon’s solutions help address the need for complex configurations, plugins, or multiple logins, simplifying adoption across diverse user bases, including remote employees and third-party contractors. By seamlessly integrating security into browsers, users can face reduced disruptions while maintaining high levels of protection.

Why choose Verizon for Zero Trust security?

Verizon’s comprehensive security capabilities go beyond perimeter defenses, helping to enhance protections for browsers, cloud applications and mobile devices alike. Verizon emphasizes browser security, workload protection, and eliminating legacy VPNs. We can provide adaptive access solutions that consistently monitor user behavior and adjust policies in near real-time, balancing dynamic, distributed environments with the need to deliver an excellent user experience.

As threats evolve, browser-based security will be indispensable. CISOs and security leaders can rely on Verizon’s Zero Trust Dynamic Access, combining cutting-edge capabilities with industry compliance.

Need help with browser-based security? Reach out to us to find out how we can help you protect your organization’s digital ecosystem

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.