Instead of accepting it and downloading the update, check the interface for any apparent typos or grammar errors, and if found, then close it down. Immediately be skeptical of any automatic software update, especially those for Flash or Reader. Therefore, if you are browsing the Web and see a notice pop up about the need to update Reader, there are several things you can do. Such determinations may take a keen eye at times, especially since malware developers quickly change these elements and thereby make them impossible to reliably describe for identification. In recent coverage of the Flashback variants over the past few months, you can see how easily fake Flash installers can look like the real thing ( click here). This can be anything such as being a generic orange installer package instead of having Adobe icons, or once opened having it contain typos, misaligned interface elements, and other nuanced details that distinguish it from the real thing.Īt other times, identifying a fake may be a bit harder. To the keen eye, sometimes it is relatively easy to spot a fake installer, based on how the installer file is packaged (such as being distributed in a ZIP file as opposed to a DMG image), or how it looks.

In order to notify Flash and Reader users of available updates, Adobe's software will display a notice regarding the availability of the new software however, if you see such a notice then how will you know the update is legitimate or an attempt to install malware?

The recent Flashback malware is one example of this, where it originally was released as a fake update to Adobe Flash, and thereby confused a number of Mac users who installed it thinking it was a legitimate update they needed. After installing, reboot your Mac and relaunch Safari, then in Safari Preferences.Īdobe Flash Player and Reader are some of the most popular Web plug-ins, and as a result malware developers commonly use them as a disguise for their programs. Yes it is safe if you only download direct from Adobe.

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