What is the noopener attribute?
The noopener attribute is a security-focused feature that is added to links in HTML. When a link opens a new tab using the target=”_blank” attribute, it can create a potential vulnerability. Without the noopener attribute, the new page can access and manipulate the original page via the window.opener property. This can lead to security risks, such as the execution of malicious scripts or the exposure of sensitive data.
Adding the noopener attribute ensures that a new tab works independently from the original page, preventing any unintended interactions or security issues between the two. This simple measure effectively prevents the new page from accessing or altering the content of the originating tab, making it an essential practice for secure web development.
Why is noopener important?
The importance of the noopener attribute lies in its ability to mitigate security risks and enhance website performance. Here are the key reasons:
- Preventing tabnabbing attacks: Tabnabbing is a phishing technique where the new tab opened by a link manipulates the original tab, potentially redirecting users to a malicious page. By applying noopener, this risk is eliminated.
- Isolating website performance issues: External websites, especially those beyond your control, can have performance issues. Without a noopener, problems on the new page can slow down or impact the performance of the original page.
- Maintaining user trust: Websites that prioritize user security and performance build trust with their audience. Implementing best practices like noopener shows a commitment to providing a safe browsing experience.
How Arclight Digital implements noopener
Arclight Digital’s web development specialists ensure that the noopener attribute is consistently applied to all external links that open in new tabs. This practice is seamlessly integrated into our workflow as part of their “done-for-you” website development services.
The process includes:
- Reviewing link structures: All links with target=”_blank” are reviewed to ensure they include the rel=”noopener” attribute.
- Automating compliance: For WordPress-based websites, Arclight Digital configures tools and plugins to automatically add the noopener attribute where necessary.
- Testing and validation: The team performs rigorous testing to confirm that the implementation meets both security and usability standards.
Common misconceptions about noopener
Some website owners and developers may overlook the significance of the noopener attribute, believing it to be unnecessary. However, it is important to dispel a couple of myths:
- Myth: “Modern browsers already handle this.”
- While many browsers add a noopener by default, relying solely on browser behavior can lead to inconsistencies. Explicitly adding the noopener attribute ensures consistency across different environments, allowing all users to benefit regardless of their browser.
- Myth: “It’s only for large websites.”
- Security risks are not limited to high-traffic websites. Even small sites can be targeted, making this a best practice for all web development projects.
Incorporating the noopener attribute into external links is a critical step in modern web development because it protects users from tabnabbing attacks, ensures consistent website performance, and fosters a safe and trustworthy browsing experience. It protects against tabnabbing attacks, isolates performance issues, and ensures a secure user experience.
As part of our comprehensive development practices, Arclight Digital’s WordPress specialists prioritize security and reliability, applying measures like noopener to create trustworthy and well-built websites.
Does noopener negatively impact SEO?
The short answer is no. The `rel=”noopener”` attribute is primarily a security feature and does not have a direct effect on search engine rankings. Search engines such as Google have not suggested that the use of `noopener` influences a page’s SEO performance. It’s essential to distinguish this from other attributes like `nofollow`, which do carry SEO consequences.
Contact us to discuss your website design and development needs, and learn more about the valuable experience and expertise that our team puts into your website project.