Noopener is an HTML link attribute used to improve security when opening links in a new browser tab or window. It prevents the newly opened page from gaining access to the originating page through the browser window object. This protection reduces the risk of malicious behaviour such as tabnabbing or unwanted page manipulation.
When a link uses target blank without noopener, the destination page can potentially redirect or modify the original page. Adding noopener removes that connection and ensures the original page remains isolated. This makes it a simple but important safeguard for external links.
Noopener does not affect user experience or search visibility. It operates at the browser level and focuses purely on security and integrity. Modern browsers often apply noopener automatically in some cases, but explicit use remains a best practice for consistency and governance.
Advanced
Noopener works by nullifying the window opener reference when a new browsing context is created. This prevents scripts on the destination page from interacting with the source page. It is commonly paired with noreferrer, which also blocks referrer data from being passed.
From a development and compliance standpoint, noopener is recommended for all external links that open in a new tab. It reduces exposure to phishing techniques and cross site manipulation risks. While not an SEO signal, it supports secure linking practices expected in modern web standards.
Relevance
- Improves security for external links.
- Prevents tabnabbing and page hijacking.
- Supports safe user navigation behaviour.
- Aligns with modern web best practices.
- Reduces risk exposure without SEO impact.
Applications
- External links opening in new tabs.
- Third party resource references.
- Sponsored or affiliate links.
- User generated content links.
- Editorial outbound linking.
Metrics
- Presence of noopener on target blank links.
- Security audit compliance results.
- Reduction in tabnabbing risk vectors.
- Consistency across templates and components.
- Linting or validation pass rates.
Issues
- Missing noopener exposes security risk.
- Inconsistent implementation weakens protection.
- Reliance on browser defaults reduces control.
- Poor governance leads to omissions.
- Misunderstanding scope limits adoption.
Example
A publisher audited outbound links and found many target blank links without noopener. After updating templates to include the attribute, the site reduced exposure to tabnabbing risks while maintaining identical user behaviour and performance.