What Is Noopener?
The rel=”noopener” attribute is added to a link that opens in a new tab or window (target=”_blank”) to prevent the newly opened page from gaining access to the original page’s window object.
The Security Reason for It
Without noopener, a page opened via target=”_blank” can, in rare cases, manipulate the originating tab through JavaScript — a technique sometimes exploited in phishing attacks (redirecting the original tab to a fake login page while the user’s attention is on the new one). Adding noopener closes that avenue.
Does It Affect SEO?
Noopener has no direct SEO ranking impact — it’s a security best practice, not a search signal. Most modern browsers now apply this protection to target=”_blank” links automatically, but explicitly adding rel=”noopener” remains a recommended safeguard, especially for older browser compatibility and site auditing tools that flag its absence.
