Clickjacking, also known as a "UI redress attack," is a malicious technique where an attacker tricks a user into clicking on an element that is different from what the user perceives. This deceptive tactic involves layering multiple transparent or opaque layers over a webpage element, leading users to perform unintended actions on a different site or application.

The threat of clickjacking extends across various online activities, as attackers exploit the visual and interactive nature of the web. By leveraging iframes, CSS, and JavaScript, attackers can overlay malicious content over legitimate web pages, creating a façade that deceives users into performing actions that benefit the attacker, such as sharing sensitive information or unknowingly downloading malware.

Clickjacking Attack Example

A classic example of a clickjacking attack involves a deceptive website offering a tempting item, like a free electronic gadget. The site displays a button labeled “click here for a free iPod.”

However, without the user knowing, an invisible iframe is placed over the button, which actually contains a link to a malicious action, such as activating a subscription or deleting all emails. The user aims to click on the “free iPod” button but instead triggers the concealed malicious action, leading to potential data loss or unauthorized access to the user's accounts.

How to Prevent Clickjacking

Here’s how you can defend yourself against clickjacking:

• Implement Content Security Policies: Employ CSP headers to restrict which domains can embed your content, preventing unauthorized iframes from hijacking user clicks.

• Utilize X-Frame-Options Header: Set the X-Frame-Options on your site to either DENY or SAMEORIGIN, preventing your pages from being framed by external websites.

• Deploy Frame Busting Scripts: Enable frame busting scripts to ensure your site cannot be shown in a frame on another domain, thus breaking out of any unauthorized framing attempts.

• Update and Patch Software Regularly: Maintain updated software to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited in clickjacking attacks.

• Educate Users: Raise awareness about clickjacking among users, teaching them to avoid suspicious links and ensuring they understand the importance of secure browsing practices.