Electronics

[gardenman]

On 12/14/2014 Lynnj said:

I agree with everything that DooBdoo said - it is vital to keep Adobe Flash updated, because of ongoing security threats. However, the updates should be made directly from the Adobe website, not from some pop up received (as DooBdoo also pointed out).

I just updated Adobe Flash a few days ago on my Macbook Air. No problems.

I also agree. You have to be a smart computer user these days as the bad guys no longer have gaping holes in the operating systems to exploit, so now they resort to tricking people to install their malware. They'll send real looking e-mails/pop-ups and if you fall for it, you'll pay the price. Download updates/software directly form the vendor and you're generally safe.

[Lynnj]

On 12/14/2014 gardenman said:

On 12/14/2014 Lynnj said:

I agree with everything that DooBdoo said - it is vital to keep Adobe Flash updated, because of ongoing security threats. However, the updates should be made directly from the Adobe website, not from some pop up received (as DooBdoo also pointed out).

I just updated Adobe Flash a few days ago on my Macbook Air. No problems.

I also agree. You have to be a smart computer user these days as the bad guys no longer have gaping holes in the operating systems to exploit, so now they resort to tricking people to install their malware. They'll send real looking e-mails/pop-ups and if you fall for it, you'll pay the price. Download updates/software directly form the vendor and you're generally safe.

I agree. As far as the pop ups, when I see something (such as one for update Adobe) I then go directly to the website without clicking on the pop up. From there I look to see if there is an update, and if so, update from the site. Once the update is done you will no longer get the pop ups.

So I use the pop up as a guide to alert me of possible update. But again..never, never, ever click anything directly from a popup or email link.

[Plaid Pants]

The title of this thread is misleading.

As others have said, as long as you go to the Adobe site itself, and download any updates from there, you'll be fine.

It's when the "updates" look like they are from Adobe, that one can get themselves in to trouble, i.e. pop-ups.

It's important to know the difference.

[CharliF]

As others have indicated, only update Adobe Flash on the adobe.com site -- it is a safe and secure site. There are other websites that offer Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader updates, but they are not necessarily reputable, and usually include other software that you won't want in the download, including malware and viruses and useless utility software.

However, when approving the Abode Flash update from Adobe, make sure that you uncheck the MacAfee security software download that is automatically included if you already have antivirus software installed on your PC or tablet (which you should). MacAfee does not play well with other antivirus software, i.e., Norton, AVG, Microsoft Essentials, etc., and can make your PC act like it has malware installed.

[jackthebear]

They also sneak in Bing or some other dodgy browser add on so be careful with that last screen

[Campion]

There is a fake Adobe Flash updater that indeed puts noxious malware on your PC. I have a down laptop that had this happen. Should have realized the updater looked wrong. I usually can hack the registry but this time, I'm stuck. Couldn't remove the garbage. I have to see if I can save or if I saved my files, and restore the entire drive.

[Cha1k]

On 12/14/2014 jackthebear said:

They also sneak in Bing or some other dodgy browser add on so be careful with that last screen

Bing is the search engine from Microsoft.

Whether MS is dodgy or not is debatable.

I did not just type that!!! LOL

[Deanie]

I just went in to the website and downloaded the update.

[dooBdoo]

On 12/14/2014 Cha1k said:

On 12/14/2014 jackthebear said:

They also sneak in Bing or some other dodgy browser add on so be careful with that last screen

Bing is the search engine from Microsoft.

Whether MS is dodgy or not is debatable.

I did not just type that!!! LOL

Cha1k!

[Campion]

It's a FAKE update. Not the Adobe Flash genuine one, but some malware. It doesn't quite behave like the true updater, and I should have realized that when I "updated"--it's human engineering, meaning it foxes your antivirus because you positively allow it to install by clicking "yes"