Noopener is an HTML attribute used to secure links that open in a new browser tab by preventing the new tab from interacting with the original page. Typically, when you set a link to open in a new tab, the new page has the potential to access and alter the original page. By adding noopener, you prevent this interaction, which improves security and protects user data.
Why is Noopener Important?
Noopener is a helpful tool to keep users and website owners safe from unwanted page interactions. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Stops Page Manipulation: Without noopener, the new tab can access the original page and may make unwanted changes. Noopener blocks this possibility, keeping the two pages separate.
- Improves Link Security: Noopener works with noreferrer to protect information about where a user came from. With rel=”noopener noreferrer”, the new page won’t receive referral data from the original page, adding privacy protection.
- Reduces Security Risks: Hackers can sometimes manipulate a new tab to control the original page. Noopener lowers this risk, helping ensure that users stay on the intended page safely.
How Does Noopener Work?
When creating a link with target=”_blank” to open in a new tab, adding rel=”noopener” to the link code stops the two pages from accessing each other. Using noreferrer alongside noopener further protects by keeping referral data private.Additionally, if certain links aren’t valuable for search engines, you might use noindex or nofollow to prevent them from being indexed or followed. This approach can help manage both link security and SEO, especially for external links.