SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Clickjacking Is Becoming A Significant Danger Online
But you will NOT find it on major websites or Shopify stores (such as SCARS websites,) so be careful on small third-party websites
Clickjacking is a malicious online attack that tricks users into clicking on a seemingly innocuous object on a webpage, such as a button or link, when in reality they are clicking on an invisible or disguised element that performs a different action. The attacker’s goal is to redirect the user’s click to a malicious webpage or to trigger an unwanted action, such as downloading malware or making an unauthorized purchase.
Clickjacking Definition:
The malicious practice of manipulating a website user’s activity by concealing hyperlinks beneath legitimate clickable content, thereby causing the user to perform actions of which they are unaware.
The technique of clickjacking often involves using HTML frames, which are essentially nested webpages embedded within another webpage. By carefully layering and positioning these frames, attackers can create a hidden overlay on top of the legitimate webpage, making it appear that the user is clicking on an element on the visible page when they are actually clicking on the hidden frame. This hidden frame can then execute the attacker’s desired action.
What is Clickjacking?
According to Fox News:
What is clickjacking?
Clickjacking is a trick where a malicious website tricks you into clicking on something different from what you think you’re clicking on. Imagine you’re trying to click on a button, to play a video, but instead, you’re actually clicking on a hidden link that does something else, like sharing your personal information, downloading malware, transferring funds, or liking a page without you knowing. It’s like a digital bait-and-switch.
Clickjacking Attacks
Clickjacking attacks can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Spreading malware: Attackers can use clickjacking to redirect users to malicious web pages that automatically download malware onto their devices.
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Generating ad revenue: Clickjacking can be used to force users to click on ads or affiliate links, generating revenue for the attacker.
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Boosting social media engagement: Attackers can use clickjacking to artificially inflate the number of clicks or likes on social media posts, making them appear more popular.
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Stealing sensitive information: Clickjacking can be used to trick users into entering sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, onto fake websites.
Online Ads & Clickjacking
NOTE: SCARS websites do not allow ads to help prevent malicious adware attacks (we depend on your donations instead.)
Online ads can be used as clickjacking attacks. In fact, clickjacking is a common way for scammers to generate ad revenue. By tricking users into clicking on ads, scammers can earn money from the advertisers.
There are a few different ways that scammers can use online ads to clickjack users. One common method is to use a hidden iframe. An iframe is an HTML element that allows you to embed one webpage inside another webpage. Scammers can use a hidden iframe to create a transparent overlay on top of a legitimate webpage. This overlay can then be used to trick users into clicking on an ad.
Another way that scammers can use online ads to clickjack users is to use a JavaScript redirect. A JavaScript redirect is a piece of code that can be used to redirect a user to a different webpage when they click on a link or button. Scammers can use a JavaScript redirect to redirect users to an ad webpage, even if the user clicked on a different link or button.
Clickjacking can be difficult to detect, but there are a few things you can look for to protect yourself.
- First, be wary of ads that seem too good to be true. If an ad is offering something that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Second, be careful about clicking on ads that are very close together. Scammers often try to trick users into clicking on multiple ads by placing them very close together.
- Finally, be sure to keep your web browser and operating system up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect against clickjacking attacks.
Identify a Website that Engages in Clickjacking
Identifying websites that engage in clickjacking can be challenging, as attackers are constantly devising new methods to conceal their malicious intentions. However, there are several telltale signs that can raise suspicions and warrant further investigation:
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Unusually Large or Overlapping Buttons: Pay attention to buttons or links that seem disproportionately large or extend beyond the boundaries of their intended container. This could indicate the presence of a hidden overlay.
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Unexpected Redirects or Pop-ups: If clicking on a seemingly innocuous element causes unexpected redirects to unfamiliar websites or triggers pop-ups, it could be a sign of clickjacking.
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Discrepancies in Hover Behavior: Hover over buttons or links to observe the actual URL that appears. If the URL changes unexpectedly or doesn’t match the visible content, it could be a sign of clickjacking.
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Unusual Delays or Lags: If there’s a noticeable delay or lag between clicking on an element and the expected action, it could indicate the presence of a hidden overlay or malicious script.
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Inconsistent User Interface (UI) Elements: If the UI elements on a website appear misaligned, overlapping, or inconsistent with standard web design principles, it could be a sign of clickjacking or other malicious intent.
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Unprompted Downloads or Installations: If clicking on a website element triggers automatic downloads or installations without explicit consent, it’s a clear indication of malicious activity.
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Overly Pushy or Aggressive Sales Tactics: Websites that employ excessive pressure tactics, such as countdown timers or limited-time offers, may use clickjacking to artificially drive sales.
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Suspicious Third-Party Scripts: Use browser extensions like NoScript or uBlock Origin to identify and block third-party scripts that may be responsible for clickjacking or other malicious behavior.
Remember, if you suspect a website is engaging in clickjacking, avoid clicking on any links or buttons, and report the website to the appropriate authorities.
Protect Against Clickjacking
To protect yourself from clickjacking, you should follow these tips:
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Be cautious when clicking on links or buttons, especially on unfamiliar websites. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking, and be wary of buttons that seem too good to be true.
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Install a reputable ad blocker. Ad blockers can help to prevent clickjacking attacks by blocking malicious scripts and overlays.
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Keep your web browser and operating system up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect against clickjacking attacks.
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Be aware of the signs of clickjacking. If you see a webpage that appears to have hidden elements or if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a link or button, avoid clicking on it.
- Install a security extension for your web browser. (SCARS uses MalwareBytes) Security extensions can help to protect you from a variety of online threats, including clickjacking.
How Does A ClickJacking Attack Work? Courtesy of Panda
More:
- Clickjacking: Definition and Attack Prevention – Panda Security
- Clickjacking Articles | Malwarebytes
- Choices: A Cybersecurity Learning Lesson – Guest Editorial by Brett Johnson (romancescamsnow.com)
- Understanding Cybersecurity for Small Businesses [PDF][UPDATED] (romancescamsnow.com)
- SCARS™ Cyber Basics: Social Media Cybersecurity (romancescamsnow.com)
- Understanding Internet Network Protocols – What They Mean – Cyber Basics (romancescamsnow.com)
- Cyber Basics: Creating Safe Passwords (romancescamsnow.com)
- Understanding Criminality – What Is Its Essence? 2023 (scamsnow.com)
- Scammers Are The New Boogeymen! 2023 (scamsnow.com)
- Cybersecurity and Cybersafety for Charitable Organizations 2023 (scamsnow.com)
- Social Media – Where Scams Are Born! (scamsnow.com)
- Teens And Young Adults: Now A Major Target Of Scammers (scamsnow.com)
- How to block ads like a pro (malwarebytes.com)
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A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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