What Is “Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date”?
A new scam on Macs has been ravaging them for quite some time. The scam shows a pop-up that claims that “Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date”. The scam will appear on your browser after you have a malicious .dmg file installed on your Mac. It is part of an adware program or another form of PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) and its main goal is showing you pages, like the “Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date”, which lure you into downloading fake or malicious software. If you are here because of the “Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” scam, then we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP |
| Type | Adware/PUP for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to show different third-party pages, ads and pop-ups to lure you into clicking on them. |
| Symptoms | Various forms of redirects and new pages start to appear. Slow performance of your Mac. |
| Distribution Method | Via being added unknowingly or via software bundling. |
| Detection Tool |
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”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” – How Did I Get It?
This pop-up is introduced by an unwanted program on the computers of victims. The worst part of it is if you have clicked on the pop-up. According to a post in Adobe forums, clicking on the update button may slither malware on your Mac.
One Reddit user had the following to complain about the issue:
QuestionSo did I install a virus? (self.mac)
submitted 7 hours ago by ce_brkr
I was just going through the internet when a pop up said I needed to download an updated flash drive. I ignored it at first and just went back and then it popped up again so I decided to download it. I was concerned so I looked into it and I’m pretty sure I’ve downloaded a virus. It’s a generally new Mac so I have no virus scanners or protection yet (I know I’m very stupid.) I appreciate all the help as I’m very worried and what should I do to get rid of the virus
What Does It Do?
Simply visiting the page that introduces the ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” pop-up could end up being very dangerous for your computer. The page itself could track your online activities via tracking technologies, such as:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
These could be used to obtain critical information from your Mac and about you.
Not only this, but the browser hijacker could generate various types of ads and content that may lead you to dangerous sites. Such sites could end up to be not only of the fake Adobe update kind, but they can also turn out malicious or phishing pages. Such can infect your PC with malware and also scam you out of your information or money. Only one more reason why you should do a clean up of your Mac.
Is It a Virus?
No, this pop-up is not a virus but an example of a scam that can download various unwanted or malicious programs onto your computer. Because of this potentially malicious behavior, the ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” pop-up should not be neglected. The reason for its appearance should be discovered and eliminated entirely.
How to Protect My Computer from Scams
To avoid any potential harm from interacting with ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date”, we recommend you to take precautionary steps. Refrain from downloading any programs from unknown sources such as ads, pop-ups, or file-sharing websites, and be sure to uncheck any unfamiliar software during installations.
Remove ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” PUP from Your Mac
To remove this unwanted software immediately from your Mac, we recommend that you follow the removal steps underneath. They have been created with the primary idea to help you the ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” PUP either manually or automatically from your computer. If you want a faster and more effective automatic solution, then we strongly recommend using an advanced anti-malware software. Such program can scan your computer for any malware and make sure that ”Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date” is fully gone from it.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
"Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP-FAQ
What is "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP on your Mac?
The "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware.
If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a threat:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What Are The Symptoms of "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP On Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the "Adobe Flash Player Is Out of Date" PUP threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.