The Browser: Cybercriminals' New Favorite Playground

The 2025 State of the Browser Report reveals a troubling trend: AI-powered threats, zero-day exploits, and phishing attacks are evolving faster than ever, with the browser as the prime target. Traditional security tools aren’t keeping up, leaving MSPs struggling to protect clients without disrupting productivity. 

AI-Powered Threats

The Problem

Cybercriminals exploit fake GenAI websites to steal credentials, tricking users with sophisticated AI-driven deception. 

The Solution

Blocking AI sites is an option, especially for compliance-driven businesses. However, many organizations rely on AI for productivity and need a more practical approach. 

MSPs need: 

•  Watermarking legitimate GenAI sites to verify authenticity
• Categorical blocking of AI sites using content filtering
• User warnings before accessing unverified AI platforms. 

AI is boosting workplace efficiency, but it’s also arming bad actors. MSPs must strike the right balance between security and usability. 

Zero-Day Attacks on the Browser: A Growing Threat 

The Problem

Browser-based attacks have increased by 130% due to: 

• Cloud migration and reliance on web apps
• Improved email phishing defenses, forcing attackers to target browsers instead.

The Solution

Enhanced content filtering & real-time updates 

MSPs need: 

• Visibility into browser activity to detect threats early
• Advanced DNS and web content filtering to block malicious sites.

Every MSP has a patching process, but the browser remains vulnerable without dedicated security controls. 

LURE Phishing Attacks: The Newest Cyber Trick 

The Problem  

Cybercriminals are using compromised legitimate websites to steal credentials, bypassing traditional security tools. 

The Solution 

Blocking non-business sites and identifying legitimate business applications is key—but it’s not enough. Relying on end users to inspect URLs manually is unrealistic. 

MSPs need: 

• In-browser content filtering that analyzes full URL strings for hidden threats
• Watermarking of legitimate login pages to prevent credential theft
• Dynamic, behavior-based security that adapts to new phishing tactics. 

URL filtering alone won’t stop modern phishing—MSPs need smarter, adaptive browser security. 

Ransomware on critical infrastructure 

The Problem  

Government agencies are tightening cybersecurity requirements for contractors, especially around credential security. 

The Solution 

Proactively securing browser activity with credential analysis to prevent unauthorized access. 

MSPs need:  

• Automated detection of weak passwords that fail NIST standards 
• Alerts on compromised credentials before they’re exploited
• Monitoring for credential sharing and risky user behavior. 

Passwords remain a weak link—but with the right controls, MSPs can lock down credential security. 

Remote work and insider threats 

The Problem  

The rise of hybrid work has increased insider risks, making it harder to spot suspicious activity. 

The Solution 

Deep visibility into browser activity to detect aberrant behavior before it becomes a security incident. 

Nothing says "security threat" like Dave logging into sensitive systems from a coffee shop WiFi named "FreeInternetTotallySafe.” 

MSPs need: 

• At-a-glance insights to easily identify outlier behavior 
• Browser activity monitoring by category, app, and user 
• Upload/download tracking for potential data exfiltration attempts.

As work environments become more flexible, browser visibility is non-negotiable. 

The Outlook: Secure the Browser, Secure the Business 

The browser is the new battleground—but MSPs don’t have to fight it alone. Atakama delivers the visibility, security, and control MSPs need to secure the browser without disrupting productivity. 

Book a demo today and secure your clients’ browsers in just a few clicks. 

Not ready yet? No problem. Here’s a free, shareable resource to educate your clients on how to spot fake GenAI websites.