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)

In this video I show you the only solution for the java installer: download failed error that happens while java is updating automatically. Now, java -jar filename.jar (then enter) for example: D:projectsfolder1innerFolderjava -jar filename.jar. Finally you can see your output. Note: Install java and also set path in environment variables. Quit any open browsers. Now launch Software Updates (Apple Menu Software Updates) Try installing the Java update. If it's successful, when it's finished, restart your Mac and repair disk permissions one more time and restart your Mac. Starting with macOS Mojave, Apple has made changes to how you access macOS on your machine. Instead of downloading it from the app store, you can click on  System Preferences Software Update in order to download the update.  System Preferences If your macOS Catalina download is taking time or stuck, you may want to do the following. Step 1, Open the Java Control Panel. To do so: Windows - Open Start, type in 'Configure Java', and click the Java icon. Mac - Click the Apple icon, click System Preferences, and click the Java icon.Step 2, Click the Update tab. It's at the top of the Java Control Panel window.Step 3, Uncheck the 'Check for Updates Automatically' box. It's in the middle of the window.

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'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.

I Keep Getting Download Errors For Java Update Mac Operating System

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...

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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:

I Keep Getting Download Errors For Java Update Mac Os

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:

I Keep Getting Download Errors For Java Update Mac Catalina

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.

• 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.