* Keep your Internet security software up-to-date, and ensure it’s running at all times. * Set your computer to automatically update your operating system and applications. * Get in the habit of reviewing software update requests carefully, especially if they seem to have appeared out of nowhere. * Never click links in emails that tell you to upgrade your software. ![]() * When in doubt, download any needed updates directly from the software vendor’s website. * Don’t respond to software update requests when you’re on a public WiFi hotspot or surfing a free media or download site. For example, you might see a pop-up window telling you to “upgrade your media player now (required).” The look and feel of the message may bear a vague resemblance to Adobe or another known software developer. Example: One fake Microsoft software update told users to “install updates urgently” and that “this installation is essential for the normal work of your system.” (Along with the message’s urgent tone, you may also have noticed its awkward grammar.) Others warn that your computer is at risk for security threats if you don’t update.Īlso, the software you’re being asked to update may not be specifically identified. One particular malware-spreading website told visitors to update their browsers to get “new awesome features.” A legitimate update request would be more specific.įrequently, a fake software update request will warn you of dire consequences if you don’t agree to the update. While the example above is quite apparent that it isn’t from Google, other fake software update notifications are a bit more convincing.Īlso, take a close look at the reasons you’re given for updating. Take for example the fake Google Chrome update below. You may notice that the logo for the company being falsely represented may not look quite right, too. Just as with phishing emails, you may be able to spot misspelled words, improper usage, lack of punctuation, and other telltale signs. ![]() If you receive a software update request that seems suspicious, review it closely. Legitimate notices to update will come from the software itself, especially when you open and run the program. The first thing to know is that software update notifications won’t come to you in email and they aren’t likely to simply appear out of context as you surf the Web. How to Tell the Difference Between a Fake and Real Software Update If installed, the malware locks you out of your device and you’re asked to pay a ‘ransom’ to regain control. CNBC recently reported on the rise of ScarePackage, which poses as an Adobe Flash update or anti-virus app for Android devices. Mobile devices are increasingly being targeted, too. Some malware are known to hijack the auto-update feature of computers, and the user is often none the wiser. ![]() Pop-up prompts aren’t the only way malware gets installed on a computer, of course. You may also see a fake software update when browsing free movie streaming, media, and software download sites. ![]() The FBI even posted an advisory on the scam. For example, there have been reports of travelers who, while using a hotel’s Internet, received a pop-up window alerting them to update a piece of software. The adware may have been bundled with something free you downloaded, such as a freeware program.įake software update requests can also appear when you’re using a public hotspot. Adware’s intent is to display advertising content, often in pop-up windows, on your computer it can also monitor your browsing activities. This may happen if you’ve inadvertently installed adware on your computer. The update notifications are designed to look legitimate, such that unsuspecting individuals are unlikely to think twice before clicking on “Install”.īut when and where do these fake software requests tend to appear? And how can you tell a real update request from a fake one? Here’s what you need to know.Īs you are surfing the Internet, you may see a pop-up window on your computer screen, instructing you to update a particular piece of software. Is that Adobe Flash update notification you received legitimate? Or is it a scam designed to install malware on your computer?Ĭybercriminals disguise malware as pop-up notifications to update Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Web browsers, Java or other mainstream software.
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