Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
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Adobe Flash Player Malicious Updates, Downloads, Upgrades or Installations

Online users, if you are asked to update, download, upgrade, or install the Adobe Flash Player on your computer while browsing the internet, please do not install it from the website that you are browsing. There are malicious websites or advertisements that have been created by cybercriminals to trick online users into downloading and installing malicious computer programs, viruses, spyware and other malware, disguised as the Adobe Flash Player, by falsely claiming that online users current Adobe Flash Player is out of date.

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Online users, if the Adobe Flash Player web browser plug-in is not installed on your computers, only download it from the following website: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. And, if you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player from the legitimate Flash Player website and you are still being asked to install it, the website that you are on is either malicious or there is a malicious advertisement displaying the fake Adobe Flash Player message.

Because most persons are always anxious to watch a video online, they will quickly click on a link and install any software in order to do so. But, doing so is very dangerous because you can download a malicious program, which will spy on you, steal your personal information, credit card information, or online accounts user name and password.

Samples of Malicious Adobe Flash Player Update Message

Latest version of Adobe Flash Player is required to encode and/or decode (Play) audio files in high quality. - Click here to update for latest version.

Adobe Flash Player Update

“Adobe Flash Player" is out of date! 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

Please install Flash Player HD to continue

Flash player: Incorrect version

You need to install new version of Adobe

This content requires update your Player. Would you like to intall it now?

A flash Player Update is Required to view this content

All of the messages above are deceptive Flash media player updates, which have been created by cybercriminals to trick online users into downloading and infecting their computers with viruses, spyware and other malware. This is why online users must only download the Adobe Flash Player from this website: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.

For information about the dangers of downloading software to watch movies or videos online, please click here.

Check the comment section for additional information, or share what you know or ask a question about this article, by clicking the 'View or Write Comment' button below.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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