Blog | G5 Cyber Security

Browser Activity Logging & Taskbar Spying

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Yes, a program can log your browser activity and potentially link it to taskbar names (window titles). This is usually done through malicious software or poorly designed applications. Here’s how it works and what you can do about it.

How Programs Log Browser Activity

  1. API Hooking: The most common method. A program intercepts calls to Windows APIs that browsers use for things like navigation, form submissions, and cookie management. This allows the program to record everything you do in your browser without the browser knowing.
    • Example (simplified concept): Imagine a function called GetWindowText which gets the title of an active window. A malicious program could ‘hook’ this function so that every time it’s called, it also sends the title to a remote server.
  2. Browser Extensions: Malicious extensions can directly access your browsing history, cookies, and other data.
  3. Keylogging: While not specific to browsers, keyloggers record every keystroke, including those in browser address bars and forms.
  4. Process Monitoring: Programs can monitor running processes (like Chrome or Firefox) and extract information about the windows they open.

How Taskbar Names Come Into Play

Taskbar names (window titles) are often logged alongside browser activity for several reasons:

  1. Context: Knowing which window was active when a certain action occurred provides context. For example, logging ‘username’ along with the window title ‘Login – Bank Website’ is more useful than just logging ‘username’.
  2. Identification: Window titles can help identify specific websites or applications you’re using.
  3. Correlation: Combining browser activity logs with taskbar names allows attackers to build a detailed profile of your online behaviour.

What You Can Do

  1. Run Regular Malware Scans: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software (e.g., Windows Defender, Malwarebytes). Keep them updated!
    • Windows Defender Scan Example: Open ‘Windows Security’, select ‘Virus & threat protection’, then click ‘Scan options’ and choose a full scan.
  2. Be Careful What You Download: Only download software from trusted sources. Avoid suspicious websites and email attachments.
  3. Review Browser Extensions: Regularly check your browser extensions and remove any you don’t recognize or need.
    • Chrome Extension Review Example: Type chrome://extensions in the address bar to see a list of installed extensions.
  4. Use Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This won’t prevent logging, but it will make your accounts harder to compromise.
  5. Keep Your Software Updated: Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
  6. Privacy-Focused Browsers/Extensions: Consider using browsers or extensions designed with privacy in mind (e.g., Brave, Privacy Badger).
  7. Process Explorer (Advanced): Use tools like Process Explorer to monitor running processes and identify suspicious activity.

Detecting Suspicious Activity

Look out for these signs:

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