Random Pop-Ups Annoying You?

If you are seeing random pop-up ads asking to update Adobe Flash Player or Java within Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome, then your computer is infected with an adware or a potentially unwanted program. These update pop-ups are not from the developers Adobe Flash Player or Java. These pop-ups are annoying and they’re used by cyber criminals to spread adware and browser hijackers on every user’s computer. The fake update Flash Player or Java pop-up ads are caused by an ad-supported extension for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome, which is distributed through various monetization platforms during installation. This malicious browser extension is typically added when you install another free software (video recording, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this adware program. When this malicious extension is installed and you browse the Internet, an ad with a fake request to update Adobe Flash Player or Java will randomly pop-up. The malicious web page will display a pop-up box stating that you need to updated or install Flash Player or Java to view a video. If you click on the “Download”, “Run Update” or “Click to install now” button, instead of installing an update for Adobe Flash Player or Java, you’ll agree to download an adware or a malicious programs onto your computer.

When infected with this malicious program, other common symptoms include:

Advertising banners are injected with the web pages that you are visiting. Random web page text is turned into hyperlinks. Browser popups appear which recommend fake updates or other software. Other unwanted adware programs might get installed without the user’s knowledge.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this fake update Flash Player or Java adware. Be very careful what you agree to install. Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.