Key Pro Browser Extension
Our research team came across the "key pro" browser extension while investigating unreliable websites. After conducting an analysis of this software, we discovered that it functions as a browser hijacker. This extension alters browser settings to promote the keysearchs.com fake search engine through redirects. Additionally, key pro engages in the monitoring of users' online activities.
Browser-hijacking software typically modifies browser settings, including homepage, default search engine, and URLs for new tabs/windows, to promote specific websites. Consequently, when users perform web searches through the URL bar or open new tabs/windows, they are redirected to the promoted webpage.
Key pro promotes the illegitimate search engine keysearchs.com. Fake search engines typically lack the capability to provide search results and instead redirect users to genuine search engines. In our analysis of key pro, we observed several redirection chains.
In some instances, these chains directed users through keysearchs.com to search.mycooltab.com and eventually led to the legitimate Bing search engine (bing.com). Another chain followed a similar path, ultimately reaching Bing but with redirects through keysearchs.com and search-checker.com.
It's important to note that key pro may result in different redirection chains, as they can be influenced by factors like the user's geographical location.
In many cases, browser hijackers employ mechanisms to ensure their persistence, making it challenging for users to regain control of their browsers.
Furthermore, key pro possesses the ability to track user data. This extension collects browsing histories and may target Internet cookies, personal information, login credentials, financial data, and more. The data collected can be sold to third parties or exploited for financial gain.
How Can a Browser Hijacker Alter Your Browsing?
A browser hijacker can alter your browsing experience in various ways by making unauthorized changes to your web browser's settings. Here are the common ways in which a browser hijacker can modify your browsing:
- Change Homepage: Browser hijackers often set a specific website as your browser's homepage without your consent. This means that every time you open your browser, it redirects you to a particular website.
- Modify Default Search Engine: They can replace your default search engine with one of their choice. When you perform web searches through the browser's address bar, you are redirected to the hijacker's preferred search engine.
- Alter New Tab or Window Behavior: Browser hijackers may change what happens when you open a new tab or window. Instead of a blank page or your preferred start page, you might be redirected to a specific website.
- Inject Ads: Many browser hijackers inject unwanted and often malicious advertisements into web pages you visit. These ads can be intrusive, leading to a poor browsing experience and potentially exposing you to more threats.
- Redirect Searches: When you perform a search, a browser hijacker can redirect your search queries to a different search engine or display altered search results. This can make it challenging to find the information you're looking for.
- Install Unwanted Browser Extensions: Some browser hijackers may add unwanted browser extensions or add-ons, which can further modify your browsing experience and collect data about your online activities.
- Track and Collect Data: Browser hijackers often have data-tracking capabilities. They can monitor your browsing habits, collect information about the websites you visit, your search queries, and even personal data, such as usernames and passwords.
- Trigger Pop-up Ads: Browser hijackers can generate pop-up ads, pop-unders, and other types of intrusive advertisements, which can be annoying and distracting while you're browsing.
