How to remove apps downloaded from 'Latest version of Adobe Flash Player' scam pages on Mac computers
Adobe Flash Player for Mac is an application that allows the users to view things like videos, interactive animated menus, moving comics, hear music, and even play video games right in your internet browser without installing new games every time. Adobe Flash Player experiences some issues with both Firefox and Chrome. It may issue a message that states it had problems before or after crashing. This occurs more frequently among those who use Flash with other apps running in the background and those who have multiple windows or tabs open at the same time. How to update Flash Player on Mac (if it’s already installed) Instead of downloading anything from a popup, follow simple steps to check whether you really need to update Adobe Flash on Mac. Go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences. In the bottom left corner, choose Flash Player. Choose the Updates tab. Click the Check Now button.
I recently upgraded my flash player to 13, but I had trouble playing youtube videos or any kind of mp3. So I uninstalled the flash player restarted my mac then installed the flash player 12 then I went on youtube again to see if the videos worked but I got the problem it would say 'The Adobe Flash P. This wikiHow shows you how to enable Flash Player on in Safari and Chrome for macOS. If you're using Safari, you'll need to download and install Adobe Flash Player from Adobe's website. If you're using Chrome, there's no need to install additional apps. Support for Adobe Flash ends in December 2020.
What is 'Latest version of Adobe Flash Player'?
Displayed by various scam websites, 'Latest version of Adobe Flash Player' is a deceptive message employed to trick visitors into using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer, which actually installs a potentially unwanted application (PUA) such as, for example, a browser hijacker or adware-type app. These fake installers are commonly designed to install multiple PUAs. In some cases, they install malicious software including ransomware, Trojans, or other high-risk malware. In any case, never download or install software or files from these websites. Browsers usually open websites of this type due to PUAs that are already installed.
When opened, websites of this type display a pop-up window claiming that Adobe Flash Player is out of date and encouraging visitors to update it. The other pop-up windows states that Adobe Flash Player is out of date, but also does not include the latest security updates and cannot be used (until visitors download and install an updated version). Typically, these scam pages download a file called 'AdobeFlashPlayerInstaller.dmg'. This filename name might vary. Note that files downloaded from these pages do not install any new/legitimate versions of Adobe Flash Player - they simply install browser hijackers, adware or multiple PUAs. Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by changing certain setting and collecting browsing related data such as geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, IP addresses and other details. In some cases, PUAs can access and record personal information. Adware commonly tracks information and feeds users with intrusive ads, usually in the form of coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys, and so on. People who click these ads are redirected to dubious web pages or cause download/installation of unwanted, potentially malicious software. Fake Adobe Flash Player installers can cause installation of ransomware - software that encrypts data. Typically, victims cannot use their files unless they pay a ransom to cyber criminals. Furthermore, rogue installers can infect systems with Trojans - these programs often install other malware, thereby causing chain infections. In summary, no software should be downloaded or installed through these scam websites.
Name | Latest version of Adobe Flash Player pop-up |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Fake Claim | Websites of this type claim that Adobe Flash Player is out of date. |
Promoted Unwanted Applications | Browser hijackers, adware, Trojans, ransomware and other unwanted, potentially malicious software. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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. |
Other examples of similar pages include streamoverlyquickprogram[.]com, reliableultimatesafevideoplayers[.]info and biggerupdateforvideos[.]best. All suggest that there is a new version of Adobe Flash Player available and encourage visitors to download it from them. In fact, none download a legitimate Adobe Flash Player installer - they download a fake installer that installs unwanted, potentially malicious software. As mentioned, these scam websites are usually opened by PUAs that are installed on the browser and/or operating system.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In most cases PUAs are downloaded and installed when people intentionally (or unintentionally) click deceptive advertisements or download/install programs without changing settings that are available in the set-ups. Typically, developers distribute PUAs using a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. I.e., they include PUAs into various download/installation set-ups and present them as additional offers. Typically, these offers can be found in 'Advanced', 'Custom', and other settings of the set-ups. Unfortunately, many people leave these unchanged, thereby agreeing by default with offers to download or install additional (unwanted) applications. Clicking ads can cause download/installation of PUAs, since some ads execute rogue scripts (note that they cannot do this without being clicked).
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Software should be downloaded from official websites and using direct download links. Third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), and other such tools/channels should not be trusted - they are often monetized by promoting various unwanted applications. Furthermore, unwanted downloads and installations can be prevented by declining offers to download or install unwanted apps (these are often listed in 'Custom', 'Advanced' and other settings included in the set-ups). Do not click intrusive ads, especially if shown on dubious web pages - they can redirect people to untrusted web pages or download/install unwanted software. If the browser opens dubious web pages or displays unwanted ads, we recommend that you remove all suspicious, unwanted extensions, plug-ins and add-ons immediately. Also remove programs of this kind from the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Text in the initial pop-up window, which appears on these scam websites:
Update to the latest version of Flash Player. Your current Adobe Flash Player version is out of date.
Screenshot of pop-up windows that appear after closing the first pop-up:
Text in these pop-ups:
Latest version of Flash Player is required to encode and/or decode (Play) audio files in high quality. - Click here to update for latest version.
Software update
Adobe Flash Player
Install the latest update
Update now
'Adobe 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 “Adobe Flash Player' on your system does not include the latest security updates and has been blocked.
To continue using “Adobe Flash Player', download an updated version.
Download Flash.. Update
Flash Player Update
Install latest version of Adobe Flash Player in order to continue watching.
Download
Screenshot of a pop-up which appears next:
Text in this pop-up:
Software update
“Adobe Flash Player” is out-of-date
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 from Adobe.Update Download Flash..
Screenshot of pop-up with instructions:
Text in this pop-up:
1
Go to the ‘Downloads’
Open your downloads list by
clicking on the top right corner
the ‘arrow’.
2
Open the file
Locate and double-click the file
starting with ‘Flash Player’.
3
Run the application
Confirm the installation by clicking
Continue and Install
buttons.
Type your password.
Click the Arrow Icon
Open the file
Right click on Installer icon and Open
Right click on Installer icon and Open
Confirm the installation by clicking
Continue and Install buttons. Type your password.
Appearance of 'Latest version of Adobe Flash Player' scam (GIF):
Another variant of 'Latest version of Adobe Flash Player' scam (GIF):
One of these scam pages redirects visitors to other website of this type (GIF):
Yet another version of 'Latest Version Of Adobe Flash Player' pop-up scam:
Screenshot of a fake Adobe Flash Player installer promoted using this scam:
Yet another variant of this pop-up scam:
Examples of domains displaying such scam messages:
- actorcombat[.]pw
- afew.zoyufo[.]pw
- findgreatsourceforupgrade[.]info
- findgreatsourceforupgradingnew[.]best
- fixswiftgreatlyproduct[.]icu
- freevideosflashnewlatest[.]best
- mainplacevideossafe[.]best
- mercurycampus[.]pw
- launchrenewedheavilyfreeware[.]com
- reliablesafesoftwarevideoplayer[.]best
- reliablechargedplayernew[.]best
- spaceofpages[.]info
- safevideosflashnew[.]info
- thebestfreesiteforcontent[.]info
- thebestpreparedossites[.]info
- ultimatebettervideoplayers[.]best
- ultimatebettervideoplayers[.]online
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.
Adobe Flash Player For Macbook
Remove latest version of adobe flash player pop-up 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
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.
Latest version of Adobe Flash Player pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove latest version of adobe flash player pop-up 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:
Official Adobe Flash Player Website
Remove latest version of adobe flash player pop-up 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 latest version of adobe flash player pop-up 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.
Viruses are getting smarter these days. One of the common tactics by which malicious software infects computers is through phishing. The attacker makes a bogus link seem legitimate, but it will redirect you to a different page where you will get malicious software installed on your system.
Mac users think that macOS is invincible and does not get infected by malware or viruses. However, recent attacks prove that macOS is just as vulnerable to malicious software as any other operating system. There are even viruses that were designed to target Macs and other Apple devices.
Recently, Mac users reported several cases of getting the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac. When they go to certain websites, Adobe Flash Player keeps asking to update on Mac even though the system is updated.
What Is the ‘Flash Player Update REQUIRED’ Virus on Mac?
The Adobe Flash Player is a commonly used program that is trusted by most users. Websites use this software to deliver content to the readers, so it is common to see a notification saying that the website needs Flash Player for the page to load.
The Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac takes advantage of this and prompts web visitors of specific websites to update their Flash Player software. This trickery is less obvious compared to asking to install it on their computer because users are now wary of installing software from unknown sources.
Here are some versions of the update notification:
- Update to the latest version of Flash Player. Your current Adobe Flash Player version is out of date.
- WARNING! Your Flash Player is out of date. Please install update to continue.
- “Adobe Flash Player” is out of date.
To continue using “Adobe Flash Player”, download an updated version.
Once you click the link on the notification or the Update button, a DMG file gets downloaded on your computer. Best browser for os x. Installing that “update” allows the virus to get into your system.
What Happens When You Get the Adobe Flash Player Virus on Mac?
Impersonating Adobe Flash Player is only one of the ways through which attackers infiltrate your system. The type of virus embedded in the downloaded “update” and the effects of the virus on your system depend on the attacker.
Some attackers embed a Trojan virus to steal data or create a backdoor to your system. Others use ransomware to take your personal data and computer hostage and demand payment for their release.
But according to user reports, the most common consequences of the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac are performance issues. Users noted that there is obvious sluggishness after installing the update and some apps crash or hang for no apparent reason.
This might be because crypto-mining malware has infected the system through the installed “Adobe Flash Player update.” Crypto miners eat up a huge chunk of your computer’s resources, causing your processes to slow down or crash even though you’re not doing anything resource-heavy.
Another common malware type disguised by the Adobe Flash Player virus is adware. You’ll notice that after downloading and installing the “update,” irrelevant and pesky ads start to pop up on your screen all of a sudden. These ads can’t be blocked by ad blockers and are so invasive that they don’t disappear even when you close the browser.
Worse, some ads are not limited to the browser. Some start appearing on apps and other programs running on the infected computer. Restarting the app and the computer doesn’t work. You need to get rid of the adware completely for these ads to disappear.
However, getting rid of the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac is easier said than done. It is one of the most annoying viruses today because it is so persistent and hard to remove. So if you’re one of those who got tricked by the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac, follow our virus removal guide below.
How to Remove “Flash Player Update REQUIRED” Virus on Mac
Here’s a thing: clicking the Cancel or Later button will not get rid of the Adobe Flash Player update prompt on Mac. It will keep on asking you to download the update and install it on your computer. If you’ve just come across the website with this notification, you can simply close the website and move on.
But if you went to that website for a reason (to watch a video, read news, or browse images), you’ll probably be tempted to update your Flash Player just to get access to the content that you need, not knowing that you’re installing a virus instead.
To totally get rid of the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac, try the steps below.
Step 1: Close the Browser.
The moment you notice that something fishy is going on, close Safari or the browser you are using immediately. To quit the browser, click Command + Q. If you’re using Safari, you can also close the app by clicking Quit from the Safari menu.
Step 2: Kill All Processes Related to Adobe Flash Player.
Once you’ve quit the browser, check if there are suspicious processes running in the background. To do this:
- Click Go > Utilities in the Finder menu.
- Click Activity Monitor.
- Check for Adobe Flash Player processes or other suspicious processes that are currently running on your computer.
- Select the process you want to stop, then click the x button next to it.
- Confirm the action by clicking Yes.
- Do this for all suspicious processes in Activity Monitor.
Step 3: Run Your Antivirus Software.
Mac has its built-in antivirus called XProtect to defend the system against malicious software. It checks all applications downloaded from the internet and warns the user against the risks of opening the file.
However, this antivirus is limited to file quarantine. If you want to scan your whole system for viruses and malware, you need to install a reputable antivirus program. Once installed, scan your Mac and delete the infected files.
Step 4: Delete Junk Files.
After removing the virus from your system, delete all junk files that might have been infected by the virus. You can use an app such as Outbyte MacRepair to get rid of all the trash lurking somewhere in your Mac.
Step 5: Clear Browser History and Edit Preferences.
The number one preventive measure against the Adobe Flash Player virus on Mac is to not visit the websites showing these notifications. To avoid stumbling upon these malicious websites, delete them from your browser history by going to Safari > Clear History > Clear all history.
You might also need to clear all website data to ensure that the virus will not keep on coming back. To remove website data, click Preferences from the Safari menu, then choose the Privacy tab. Click Remove All Website Data > Remove Now. Take note that all saved website data will be deleted and you will need to sign in for all websites the next time you visit them.
Step 6: Remove Unfamiliar Extensions.
After clearing your browser history, check Safari for extensions that have been installed by the virus.
To do this:
- Launch Safari while holding the Shift This will prevent previously opened pages from loading.
- Click Safari from the top menu, then choose Preferences.
- Click on the Extensions tab and scan the list for extensions that you don’t recognize.
- Click on the extension you want to remove, then click the Uninstall button.
Step 7: Check for Recently Installed Software.
It is also possible for malicious software such as the Adobe Flash Player virus to install additional apps on your Mac. Go to Finder > Go > Applications and see if there are new apps that you don’t remember installing. Drag them to the Trash or right-click and then choose Move to Trash to uninstall.
Final Notes
The “Flash Player Update REQUIRED” virus on Mac is difficult to get rid of because it keeps coming back no matter what you do. To make sure that you completely delete all infected apps and files, follow the guide above closely. Restart your Mac after performing these steps and see whether the virus symptoms have gone away.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.