Back to Glossary

Glossary Term

Browser Sandboxing

A security isolation technique that prevents websites from accessing system-level resources.

1 min read

Share this definition

Post it to your feed or send it to teammates.

Short definition: A security isolation technique that prevents websites from accessing system-level resources.
1 min read

What it is

Browser sandboxing isolates each browser tab or process from the operating system. This prevents malicious websites from reading local files, accessing memory directly, or interacting with hardware.

Browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari implement sandboxing to contain drive-by downloads, exploit kits, and malicious scripts.

Why it matters

Most cyberattacks begin in the browser. Sandboxing provides a strong last line of defense against zero-day exploits and reduces the impact of malicious JavaScript and iframes.

How to reduce risk

  • Use modern browsers with sandboxing enabled
  • Disable legacy plugins
  • Apply site isolation for sensitive workflows
  • Enable automatic browser updates
  • Avoid untrusted download sources

Related Terms

External Resources

  • Chrome Sandbox Architecture: https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/refs/heads/main/docs/design/sandbox.md
  • Microsoft Browser Isolation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/browser-isolation