An online browser sandbox (also known as an online URL sandbox) allows you to safely open and interact with potentially untrusted websites in a secure and isolated environment.
This browser sandbox runs on a virtual machine hosted on TestingBot's infrastructure, separated from your local network.
If the website contains exploits or malware, your computer and other devices on your network remain safe because the browser operates entirely within TestingBot's isolated environment.
The browser provided by TestingBot is live and fully interactive, allowing you to download files and click links within the remote virtual machine.
Once you close the browser sandbox, the virtual machine, along with all associated files and processes is completely destroyed. This ensure that no harmful content can affect your local machine.
How Does TestingBot's Browser Sandbox Work?
TestingBot's browser sandbox leverages cloud-based technology to stream browsers running on TestingBot's servers directly to your own browser.
This technology functions similarly to VNC or Remote Desktop (RDP) but requires no additional software installation, as it operates entirely through JavaScript within your browser.
When you request a new browser, TestingBot spins up a fresh virtual machine preloaded with the requested browser.
A secure WebRTC connection is then established between your browser and the virtual machine, allowing the screen's contents and audio to be streamed seamlessly to your device.
Since the virtual machine operates outside of your network, it remains fully sandboxed and secure, protecting your system from any potential threats.
What Are URL Sandbox Use-Cases?
The most common URL sandbox use-cases include:
- Opening links that you don't trust: If you receive an email with a link that you aren't sure is safe, it could potentially contain a virus or malware that could infect your computer. By opening it in a sandboxed browser, you can safely explore what's behind the link without risking your system.
- Testing phishing links: Hackers often send fake emails that appear as password reset or verification emails. These links frequently involve multiple redirects, making it difficult to determine their final destination. By testing such links in a URL sandbox, you can safely follow the redirects and see the actual website that loads.
- Opening malicious links: If you already know a link is malicious, you can safely open it in a sandboxed browser to observe its effects without jeopardising your system. Even if the link contains exploits that attempt to take over the entire system, you remain completely safe as everything occurs within TestingBot's virtual machine.
- Decoding short links: Clicking on shortened URLs like bit.ly or t.co can be dangerous since you don't know where they lead. TestingBot can act as a redirect inspector, allowing you to instantly see the final destination of a shortened link. Once the short URL finishes redirecting, you can interactively browse the resolved page without any risk.
- Running executables: When encountering executable files (e.g., .exe for Windows) from unknown or untrusted sources, running them on your computer can be risky. These files may contain harmful software, such as viruses or spyware. By using a sandboxed browser, you can safely execute these files in a controlled, isolated environment, observing their behavior without risking your own system.
- Viewing PDF and Word documents: Opening unknown PDF and Word documents can be dangerous due to potential macros or zero-day exploits that run on open. TestingBot provides a secure environment with a PDF viewer and OpenOffice, allowing you to safely test these documents. Even if the documents contain harmful content, your computer remains unaffected since everything occurs within TestingBot's virtual machine. Additionally, you can open Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, DJVU documents and ePub & Mobi book formats.
