This article has been created to explain more about the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” scam page which aims to trick victims into downloading an ad-supported browser extension.
A new scam seems to be coming back again, which aims to trick you that your web browser is out of date by displaying a fake phishing web page. The older variant of the scam used the browser-updater(.)com domain which has been taken down, but now it seems that the scamming web pages which show fake updates are coming back.
They aim to download a browser extension or a suspicious software which claims improve your browsing experience, but instead aims to show various different types of ads on your computer.
If you have seen the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” scamming pop-ups on your PC, it is extremely likely that you may have started seeing them as a result of a potentially unwanted program already present on your computer and this is why we advise that you read this article to learn how to secure your PC and stop such pop-ups and unwanted programs from appearing in the future as well.
Threat Summary
| Name | “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your PC. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”. |
“You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” – Distribution
According to reports from security researchers, these messages may suddenly appear on your web browser as a result of visiting the domain. But since these web pages will be immeidately removed If they are advertised on sites, the main version is that they are automatically pushed as a result of JavaScript redirect when you visit a low reputation website and lack any ad-blocking software.
Another method which the adware authors often use is that they aim to slither potentially unwnated programs on your computer which change your network settings so that only your IP address can see the fake “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” web page, whereas when you visit the same domain without the unwanted software it may show that it is not available.
Such PUPs are often pretend to be legitimate types of programs, whose main goal may initially seem to be to perform various different types of helping activities that imporve your PC’s performance or browsing experience. They often come as a result of software bundling on your computer, which aims to include the installers of third-party programs in the installers of freeware software, provided by software download sites. Such free programs are often downloaded by users as they are popular, like media players, codec packs and even driver setups. What the users don’t know is that the software providing sites often aim to modify those setups and include programs, like the one displaying the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” pop-ups in the installation steps. Often, users tend to skip such installation steps since they are located in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation modes. This is how this program may often be unknowingly installed on users’ computers.
“You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” Scam – Activity
The “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” fake web page is appearing on your computer as a result of being introduced to it automatically. It looks very similar to an original web page:
Text From Image:
You are using an old version of Chrome
Update your Chrome to get new awesome features
{UPDATE BUTTON}
The web page itself aims to get you to click on the “Update for free” button, which may not update your web browser but instead allow it to display notifications and add an intrusive ad-supported program on your PC.
This may immediately result in you starting to see more than ust the fake update pop-ups, but other advertisements as well, such as:
- Browser Redirects.
- Banner Advertisements.
- Highlighted text ads.
- Ad-supported search results.
In addition to this, the adware that is associated with the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” pop-ups may also start to perform various types of activities on your computer that are related to the unwanted software tracking different information from your computer, for instance:
- Your online searches.
- Your mouse klicks.
- The keystrokes that you type on your keyboard.
- Your browsing history.
This type of information is usually tracked In order to target you with specific advertisements which you are more likely to fall victim to. The tracking technologies used for this purpose are usually:
- Cookies.
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Geo-locators.
- Overtaken Browser permissions.
These advertisemetns are not directly dangerous to your computer, they may only slow it down or make it freeze and be very annoying. However, the websites to which these ads lead you may pose different dangers to you and your PC, varying from malware infection all the way to phishing and scamming sites that pretend to be Facebook, Google and other big sites, but aim to steal your financial or login information. This is the main reason to consider securing your computer against fake “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” pages and removing the unwanted software that may automatically be causing these pages to appear on your PC.
Remove “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from your Browser and PC
In order to get rid of this unwanted software, we do recommend that you follow the manual or automatic removal instructions underneath. If advertisements keep appearing or there are difficulties to uninstall some unwanted programs experts always advise to remove PUPs, like the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”-related software automatically with the aid of an advanced anti-malware software. Such program aims to scan for and fully remove all of the objects that are related to this software plus ensure that your PC remains protected against future intrusions as well.
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.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” (Windows).
Get rid of “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” and remove related files and objects
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 “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”, 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.
Video Removal Guide for “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” (Mac)
Remove “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” will be removed.
Eliminate “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
“You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”-FAQ
What Is “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”?
The “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer 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 OS.
What Are the Symptoms of “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #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 Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”?
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 email 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 activities 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 recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” Work?
Once installed, “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
“You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome”?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the “You Are Using an Old Version of Chrome” threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.