Adobe Flash Player Updates Virus

'Fake flash player update' removal instructions

The problem is not necessarily Flash Player itself, but some malware is added into a seemingly harmless Adobe Flash Player package, tricking you into downloading a virus. Another potential red flag is when a site asks you to update Flash Player. The final schedule update for Flash Player was published by Adobe last year, with support officially ending for the product on 31 December 2020 – except in mainland China. In the announcement of its last patch, Adobe advised users to immediately uninstall Flash Player from their computers to protect their systems.

What is 'Fake flash player update'?

There are many websites that are designed to deceive visitors into using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, which supposedly updates the currently installed version. These fake installers are designed to install browser hijackers, adware and other potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). In some cases, they infect operating systems with ransomware, Trojans, or other high-risk malware. Typically, these fake Adobe Flash Player installers are promoted on untrustworthy web pages that have nothing to do with the official Adobe Flash Player version or its download page. Criminals who promote such scams also target Mac users.

I've been having problems with a pop-up asking me to update my adobe flash player in my Safari browser. It blocks everything - and if I close it - it closes the entire site I was trying to reach. I know it's a virus/scam/malware because when I go to the adobe site, it says my flash is up to date. I came into my office/studio over the weekend and there was a series of adobe flash player 11.5 installer windows. Connected to the internet a new one pops up every 10 minutes or so. Microsoft Silverlight is a silver-lined Adobe Flash Player alternative in 2021. It is a great development tool for producing engaging and innovative user experience web and mobile applications. This is a free plugin supported by the.NET framework and compatible with all the leading devices, web browsers, and operating systems.

At the time of research, a deceptive page promoting a fake Adobe Flash Player installer suggested that the installed version of Adobe Flash Player might be out of date and recommended an update. These sites often claim that the installed version is out of date and will not work unless it is updated. In any case, fake Adobe Flash Player installers do not update the Adobe Flash Player - they install PUAs such as a browser hijackers or adware-type apps. Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines (by changing certain browser settings) and gather information. In most cases, they collect browsing-related data, however, they might also record personal information. Developers misuse the data to generate revenue by selling it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), who then misuse it in other ways. Adware is software that serves various intrusive advertisements. For example, coupons, banners, surveys, and pop-ups. These open untrusted pages or download/install unwanted apps by executing certain scripts. Note that adware-type apps can also track information. As mentioned, fake Adobe Flash Player installers can be designed to install ransomware, Trojans or other malicious software. Ransomware is malware that encrypts files so that they cannot be recovered without tools held only by the cyber criminals who designed the program. This software can cause data and financial loss. Trojans are malicious programs that often proliferate and install other software of this kind, including ransomware. Therefore, unofficial, deceptive pages that offer to update Adobe Flash Player can never be trusted.

Generally, people do not intentionally visit deceptive web pages suggesting that Adobe Flash Player is out of date - these pages are opened through clicked deceptive advertisements, other untrusted sites or by installed PUAs. If a browser opens dubious pages automatically, a PUA is likely to already be installed.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are often downloaded and installed through the set-ups of other software. I.e., when they are included into download and installation set-ups as 'additional offers'. These can usually be found in 'Custom', 'Advanced', or 'Manual' settings. When people download and install programs without checking and changing these settings, they allow PUAs to be downloaded and installed by default. This PUA distribution method is known as 'bundling'. Unwanted downloads and installations can also be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g, torrent clients, eMule), unofficial pages, and other similar download, installation tools, channels are often used to distribute PUAs. Therefore, software and files should be downloaded only from official websites and through direct links. Downloads and installations should not be performed without first checking 'Advanced', 'Custom' and other settings. These commonly mention offers to download and install additional, unwanted software. Do not click advertisements that are displayed on dubious websites. When clicked, these ads can open untrusted websites or cause unwanted downloads/installations. Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons, plug-ins installed on the browser immediately. Also remove software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of a deceptive web page offering to update Adobe Flash Player with a fake installer: (GIF):

Screenshots of a fake Adobe Flash Player installer:

Another example of a fake Flash Player update website:

Appearance of this site (GIF):

Yet another example of fake flash player update pop-up:

Text presented within:

Adobe Flash Player Update Virus

Update your Flash Player
Install the latest Media Player for better performances

Update now

Media Player is an essential plugin for your browser that allows you to view everyting from video to games and animation on the web.

Media Player supports several data formats including AMF, SWF, XML and JSON. The multimedia formats which are supported by Media Player include .MP3, .FLV, .JPEG, .GIF, .PNG and .RTMP.

Other supported features include accelerated graphics rendering, multi-thread video decoding and webcam support.
>Click 'Download Media '

>Install updates and enjoy performances.

[Download Media] [Update]

Instant automatic malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo CleanerBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available.

Quick menu:

• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 10 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click 'Uninstall' or 'Remove'.

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the 'gear' icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select 'Manage Add-ons'. Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click 'Remove'.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake flash player update pop-up, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select 'More tools' and click 'Extensions'. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake flash player update pop-up, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select 'Add-ons'. Click on 'Extensions', in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with fake flash player update pop-up removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select 'Extensions'. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click 'Remove' below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the fake flash player update pop-up, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free. software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove fake flash player update pop-up from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on fake flash player update pop-up or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

How to remove 'Fake Flash Player Update' from Mac?

What is 'Fake Flash Player Update'?

'Fake Flash Player Update' is a scam used to trick people into downloading an unofficial (fake) Flash Player that is presented as the Adobe Flash Player (it uses a very similar logo). This scam is distributed through a deceptive and unofficial website. Generally, people arrive at websites of this type due to adware-type, potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on their systems. These installations are often caused unintentionally. Once installed, PUAs deliver annoying, unwanted advertisements and collect user-system information.

Scammers use this deceptive website to trick people into installing the latest Flash Player (supposedly, Adobe Flash Player). They attempt to make visitors believe that they do not have the latest version installed - having it installed will supposedly improve browsing performance. In fact, this site has nothing do to with the official Flash Player and will not update the current installed version. Generally, websites of this type trick people into downloading and installing unwanted applications (adware and so on). Therefore, unofficial websites should not be used to update or download software. People often arrive at these websites due to installed adware-type PUAs, which deliver advertisements that conceal underlying content of any visited website. They feed users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. If clicked, these ads open dubious, potentially malicious websites, or run scripts designed to cause other unwanted downloads/installations. Another downside of these PUAs is that they continually collect browsing-related, and other, data. They gather entered search queries, geo-locations, URLs of visited websites, IP addresses, and so on. They often target personal, sensitive data. Developers share recorded information with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, virusThreat TypeMac malware, Mac virusSymptomsYour Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.Distribution methodsDeceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.DamageInternet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

'10 Critical Security Patches For Mac Flash Player', 'APPLE.COM RECOMMENDS', and 'Apple Support Alert' are other scams that are displayed on deceptive websites. These might be different in certain ways, however, the main purpose of these websites is to trick people into downloading and installing unwanted software that can later be used to generate revenue.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Most people are tricked into downloading or installing unwanted apps (adware-type programs and other similar apps) using the 'bundling' method. Therefore, most users install/download PUAs together with some other software. Software developers successfully trick people into causing unwanted installations/downloads by hiding information regarding bundled apps in 'Advanced', 'Custom' and other similar settings. Furthermore, many users fail to check the available settings or simply skip set-up steps. These are the most common reasons for unintentional installation/download of unwanted apps.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software from official websites and using direct links. Do not use peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, third party downloaders/installers, unofficial websites, and so on. All installations and downloads should be performed carefully. Check available settings when downloading or installing software, especially if it is freeware. Deselect all offers to install additional (potentially unwanted) apps and only then finish the process. Do not trust intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on dubious websites. These often lead to untrustworthy websites such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on. If you experience these ads or unwanted redirects, unwanted apps might be causing them. In this case, check installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins on the browser and programs on the operating system. Remove any unwanted apps immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented within this scam website:

Software update

Update your Flash Player
Install the latest Flash Player for better performance.

Update now
'Flash Player' is essential plugin for your browser that allows you to view everything from video to games and animation on the web. The version of 'Flash Player' on your system might not include the latest security updates.

The version of this plug-in on your computer doesn't include the latest security updates. Flash cannot be used until you download an update.

Click 'Download Flash Player'

Install updates and enjoy performances.

Flash Player Update
Install the latest version of Flash Player in order to continue watching.

Appearance of 'Fake Flash Player Update' scam (GIF):

Other variants of 'Fake Flash Player Update' pop-up scam websites:

Example 1:

Text presented within this site:

Flash Player update is available for your computer

Older versions of Flash Player are vulnerable to online threats, you'll want to make sure you're always using the most recent version. If you're not running the most recent version, you might see an error message instead of your content.

Flash Player supports several data formats, including XML, JSON, AMF, and SWF. Multimedia formats supported by the Flash Player include mp3, FLV, PNG, JPEG, GIF, and RTMP, among others.

Version Update: The newest version of Flash Player enables greater security and privacy controls with protected HTTPS Dynamic Streaming (HDS). Other features include webcam support, accelerated graphics rendering, multithread video decoding, and improved software for high-end performance.

Example 2:

Text presented within this site:

Software Update

New update is available for your computer.

Your OS might need Flash Player for HD Support.
Please update your Flash Player to continue.

Install Name Version Size
V Media Player Mac OS X 0.6M

Note: The version of your player on your system downs not include the latest updates.
To continue, download an updated version.

Installing takes under a minute - No restart is required.

Example 3:

Text presented within this site:

Your system is missing critical plugin updates.

If you will not update them you will encounter problems playing videos and flash content.

You need to:
Step 1: Push the download button and get the latest Flash Player version
Step 2: Run the file and finish the installation process.

Example 4:

Text presented within this site:

Flash Player

Storage Multimedia Playback Updates Advanced
Your Adobe Flash Player is out of date
Downloading new updates...
Updating takes a few seconds and no restart is needed after installation.
Flash Player
Update Download Flash...
Updates
Flash Player can automatically check for updates to help protect your computer. Not updating may leave this computer vulnerable to security threats.

Adobe Flash Player Update RECOMMENDED
Install latest version of Adobe Flash Player for better performance.
Download

Examples of fake Adobe Flash Player installers:

Appearance of a fake Apple website promoting a fake Flash Player installer:

Another variant of a Flash Player-themed pop-up scam:

Yet another variant of Flash Player-themed pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

RECOMMENDED×
Flash Player Update
Install latest version of Flash Player for better performance.
Download

Software update
Update your Flash Player

The version of this plug-in on your computer might not include the latest security updates. Flash might not work until you download an update.

Update now
'Flash Player' is an essential plugin for your browser that allows you to view everything from video to games and animation on the web. The version of “Flash Player' on your system might not include the latest security updates and might be blocked.

The version of this plug-in on your computer might not include the latest security updates. Flash might not work until you download an update.
>
Click 'Download Flash'

>
Install updates and enjoy performances.
Update Download Flash...

Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

Quick menu:

• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.

Remove 'fake flash player update' virus related files and folders:

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents

In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support

In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:

In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents

In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons

In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

'Fake Flash Player Update' virus removal from Internet browsers:

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove 'fake flash player update' virus related Safari extensions:

Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences...'.

In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove 'fake flash player update' virus related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.

Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

Remove Fake Adobe Flash Player Update Virus From Ipad

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Latest Adobe Flash Player Updates

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove 'fake flash player update' virus related Google Chrome add-ons:

Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.

In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Adobe Flash Player Update Virus Ipad

This is a very helpful and informative article. One thing that's not clear is whether there is ALSO a legitimate 'Flash Player update' popup. I keep getting something that is not from within the browser, but instead a separate app that claims to be Adobe Flash Player Install Manager. I think it is actually legitimate, but it's hard to know for sure. In any case, I'm not interested in updated my Flash player but can't get it to stop popping up!