Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups

Malwarebytes for Mac would not detect anything, because there's no actual malware on the system. There would be malware on the system, though, if the user were to download the referenced file and run the fake Adobe Flash Player installer. But not until that point. New Delhi: The malicious apps masquerading as Adobe Flash installer are not going to go away anytime soon as Apple has once again fixed six more such apps. Cyber criminals managed to pass malicious apps through the Apple app “notarization” process for the second time this year, reports ZDNet.

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.
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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.

Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Without

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. Mac os x 10.5 apple software update download location.

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:

Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Chrome

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 Download adobe garamond font free mac download.

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

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.

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

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.

Malicious actors are targeting Apple. Although Apple introduced a notarization mechanism to scan and prevent malicious code from running on Apple devices, attackers have found ways to circumvent this process. Such Apple-notarized malware constitutes a threat to macOS users.

Let us start by exploring what Apple notarization is. We will then discuss some recent examples of Apple-notarized malware and some prevention techniques.

What is Apple Notarization?

To inhibit the installation of malware through its App Store and from running on Apple-developed devices, Apple uses a range of technologies. These include the following:

App Review: Apple industry has its own set of standards and guidelines. Every application that wants to be published on the App Store needs to follow these rules in order to earn a place on the app marketplace.
Certificate Signing Request (CSR): This feature ensures the authenticity of an app to users and indicates that it has not been modified after code signing. The macOS Gatekeeper validates the app signing certificate and runs a security check of the application. It also uses a known malware list to scan the app. If there is an issue with the code signing certificate or if Gatekeeper detects malware, then Apple blocks the software.
Notarization: Apple notarization is an automatic investigatory process that checks for issues in the certificate and looks for any suspicious code running on the app. If the software clears this exam after complete verification, it receives a successful notarization ticket. This tells Gatekeeper that the package is Apple notarized, which means it is secure enough to run.

All new apps must go through these security checks before being offered to users for download via the App Store. This ensures that the software is coming from an authenticated entity and that it does not contain any malware.

What do you mean by Apple-notarized malware?

The Apple notarization mechanism was introduced to increase device security by detecting and blocking malicious apps from being downloaded on a macOS system. However, malicious actors have begun using special commands to bypass this security method.

A Twitter user discovered the first publicly known instance of Apple-notarized malware. He noticed a pattern where someone wanted to visit Homebrew’s legitimate website (brew.sh) and mistakenly wrote the wrong URL (homebrew.sh) in the search bar. After successive redirects, they landed on a new website and was prompted to update their Adobe Flash Player on the pretext that it had expired. The disguised software ran on the macOS system, which means that Apple had scanned the code. Apple was not able to find any malware, so it had notarized it accidentally.

Patrick Wardle, a security researcher, examined the software and confirmed that this was not new adware but a notarized version of OSX.Shlayer malware. This notarized malware can be detected by various third-party antivirus software.

Apple’s security teams analyzed the notarized malware to understand how the attackers might have modified their adware to go undetected. They observed that the Apple notarization method might have detected Shlayer but failed to act on the detection to block the software. Alternatively, they proposed that the Apple notarization process wasn’t then capable of identifying OSX.Shlayer and that the malware might have been hiding on our machines since its introduction into the wild.

Ways to Defend Yourself Against Apple Malware Like OSX.Shlayer

Malicious actors keep finding ways to prey upon Apple users. Simultaneously, the Apple notarization mechanism has not been able to completely block all malware from running on macOS devices. Users should therefore protect themselves and their organizations against malware like OSX.Shlayer by following and implementing best security practices. These include the following guidelines:

Train your employees: The first step in protecting yourself and your company from digital threats is to train your employees. You should aim to keep your workers fully informed about all known risk For instance, your employees should be aware of social engineering techniques that use fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Pay mind to EDR: You and all your workforces should use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) techniques to look for malware. These protection schemes will assist you in quickly detecting endpoint threats. This will help you block Apple malware.
Install an anti-virus software: You should protect your devices with an up-to-date anti-malware solution.
Download new apps only through approved channels: Mac users should download all the applications they need from the App Store. If the required software is not available on the App Store, then they should visit the official website of the app developer instead of downloading it through a third-party site.
Check for software reputation: When downloading software from a website, spend a few minutes to look through the reputation of the developer and the application. This will assist you in determining whether to download this app.
Be cautious around links: As many websites can redirect you to websites containing adware, exercise caution around links that ask you to update or install software. Always go to the official website of the developer to install any updates or download a new app.
Update software regularly: Older systems and software can easily be attacked by attackers, as they lack new security updates. Thus, attackers can easily exploit their vulnerabilities to take control of the organization’s In response, you need to keep all your applications up to date. Apple regularly issues security patches for the most recent and the previous two editions of its macOS operating systems. The patches come with up-to-date security systems for preventing known threats.
Have a good backup plan: The Shlayer Trojan can perform different tasks according to its design. From stealing sensitive information like account names, passwords, banking details, etc. to hacking your overall system, it can do it all. If malicious actors succeed in taking control of your system, then they could ask for a ransom payment in exchange for your data. In such cases, having a backup can save your organization time and money. You should keep a copy of all your data at a particular place to protect yourself if such an attack happens to you.

Conclusion

All organizations in the world remain under the radar of cybercriminals. Apple’s notarization technique has saved macOS users from many scams. Even so, some malware can bypass the notarization process, too. That’s why it’s up to ordinary users to implement additional security practices for staying safe.

About the Author: Jason Parms is a customer service manager at SSL2BUY. He is responsible for administering the customer service division and ensuring the organization provides the maximum level of customer service. He has achieved his target very quickly through diversified SSL security products and incomparable support. Nowadays, SSL2BUY secures thousand of websites and have lots of smiles of happy customers.

Malware On Mac From Adobe Download That Goes To Apple Support Popups Disable

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire, Inc.