Cinema Pro Browser Extension
The Cinema Pro browser extension was discovered by infosec researchers amon other dubious websites. The page is presented to users as a quick and easy way to access movie-related content, such as streaming platforms, reviews, top-rated movies, and the newest releases. Despite these claims, the analysis conducted by cybersecurity experts determined that the Cinema Pro operates as a browser hijacker. It will likely change several crucial browser settings as a way to generate artificial traffic and cause redirects to the find.ssrcnav.com fake search engine.
Browser Hijackers Like the Cinema Pro may Take Users to Dubious Destinations
Browser hijackers are programs that, in the vast majority of cases, modify the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to promote certain websites. The Cinema Pro is one such browser extension that functions as a browser hijacker. Once installed on a device, it alters the browser settings to redirect all new tabs, windows, and web searches to the find.ssrcnav.com search engine.
Like other browser hijackers, the Cinema Pro likely uses persistence-ensuring techniques to make it difficult for users to remove the extension and recover their browsers. It also may collect users' browsing activity data, including visited URLs, viewed Web pages, search queries, IP addresses, Internet cookies, usernames and passwords, financial information and other personal data. The collected data could easily be sold to third parties or otherwise abused for profit.
Fake search engines typically cannot provide relevant search results, so they redirect users to genuine search engines, such as Bing. In the case of the Cinema Pro, find.ssrcnav.com redirects to the Bing search engine, although this may vary depending on user geolocation and other factors.
PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Browser Hijackers Mask Their Installation from Users
PUPs and browser hijackers rely on a variety of tactics to distribute themselves to users' devices. Some common tactics include bundling with other software, utilizing social engineering to trick users into downloading and installing them, and using questionable ads and websites to lure users into downloading them.
For example, PUPs and browser hijackers may be bundled with legitimate software that users download and install. During the installation process, users may be presented with an option to install additional software. If they are not careful, they may inadvertently install the PUP or browser hijacker along with the desired software.
PUPs and browser hijackers may also utilize social engineering tricks to trick users into downloading and installing them. For example, they may use fake software updates or security alerts to convince users to download and install the PUP or browser hijacker.
Finally, PUPs and browser hijackers may use shady ads and websites to lure users into downloading them. For example, they may use pop-up ads or fake error messages that claim that the user's device is housing malware and then provide a link to download a supposed anti-malware software. Once the users download and install the software, they may find that it is actually a PUP or a browser hijacker.
