Adobe Flash Player Scams And Malicious Downloads
There are many scams on the Internet victimizing unsuspecting users, particularly targeted to Adobe Flash Player updates. In a very popular scam, users are prompted with a popup being displayed by a malicious website. Users are then led to visit the site by accident with the thought that it requires urgent attention. Unknowingly, users are already redirected by some potentially unwanted adware-type programs.
As a result, adware should be able to infiltrate systems without the permission of the user. Moreover, such apps are able to deliver online ads that will be able to collect different user or system information.
Adobe Flash Player Update Scam
Take note that there will be a popup that would convince that your copy of Adobe Flash Player has been out-of-date, which would require further attention. In this case, it is not genuine and this will attempt to trick users to install it. So, instead of getting the Adobe Flash updated, this type of scam will install several unwanted programs. Thus, it is not advisable to update apps using third-party tools. Such a behavior would lead to some high risk computer threats.
Another threat underlying the said attempt is information tracking. Apps that are adware type would gather essential information, including IP addresses, pages or websites viewed, and search queries. The data gathered might be shared by developers with third parties that would misuse private information just to gain profit. In other words, it would lead to serious privacy issues or identity theft. Thus, potentially unwanted programs or PUPs must be uninstalled right away.
There are other fake pop-ups that would threaten you to take immediate course of action. Such would include the following phases: “Internet Security Damaged, Call Technical Support Right Away” or “Your Computer Has Been Blocked”, among others. Apps claiming that your system has been damaged in any way or those related to system errors are obviously fake.
Cybercriminals would attempt to trick you to call and pay for the services you don’t actually need. In fact, some of these PUPs are very similar in nature. Some of them would offer to present useful features, tricking users to believe that it is legitimate and useful.
How Adware Are Downloaded On Your Computer?
One way of distributing adware is via a deceptive marketing method named bundling. This is the installation of PUPs with regular software without the knowledge of the user. Since most users would rush the download and installation of certain programs, these PUPs are hidden within the Advanced or Custom section of the processes involved upon download and installation. Once the user skips that section, it is when users expose the system to risk that would compromise the privacy.
Avoiding Installation of PUPs
In order to prevent any infiltration to your system, make sure that you analyze the download and installation steps that would use Advanced or Custom settings. Likewise, it is important to be strict when offered to download or install Adobe Flash Player from third parties. Remember that caution is the key to safety.