Instantpcupdate.info

Instantpcupdate.info is a site that installs unwanted and threatening software disguised as software updates. Attacks related to Instantpcupdate.info may utilize browser hijackers or compromised advertising networks, and malware researchers have seen multiple formats and means of distribution for these incidents. Use anti-malware products to scan any PC exposed to Instantpcupdate.info, and, regardless of the status of your version of Flash, avoid installing any software from this domain.

The Instant Update that doesn't even Need Your Permission

Because of its ubiquity in both software and site design, Flash is a favorite among hackers for concealing their threat-installing attacks. The latest activity from Instantpcupdate.info shows one of the most common formats of such an attack, which fraudulently provides a Flash 'update' that always claims that your version is outdated. Installing the update may infect your PC with threats of a nature yet to be confirmed by malware experts. Typical payloads may include backdoor Trojans, account-hijacking spyware and file-encrypting Trojans that may make your files unreadable.

Even PC users who reject Instantpcupdate.info's fake patches may be vulnerable, since Instantpcupdate.info may include embedded, redundant website exploits that may download software onto your PC automatically. Blocking all browser scripts by default is one way to reduce, but not eliminate these non-consensual downloads.

The circumstances around Instantpcupdate.info's appearances are more variable than most campaigns. To date, they may include:

• Compromised advertising networks may be forced to display Instantpcupdate.info pop-ups or redirect to Instantpcupdate.info automatically.
• In other circumstances, Instantpcupdate.info may load randomly, without any regard for the website that's being browsed at the time. These attacks normally are the fault of browser hijackers or threats that may modify your browser settings to promote corrupted sites. Chrome is the only browser confirmed as vulnerable to this variant attack, for now.

Instantly Protecting Your Browser from Fake Updates

Instantpcupdate.info's payload and the Chrome hijacker used to promote Instantpcupdate.info, have yet to be examined by malware researchers. However, you should assume a potential compromise of your PC after any contact with a known threat domain. Scanning your computer with anti-malware products and using good browser settings are the most important ways of blocking downloads from Instantpcupdate.info and other, fake 'Flash patch' domains. PC users who do need to update Flash or any other software, always should use legitimate sources endorsed by the appropriate company (in this case, Adobe).

For their part, website administrators should pay attention to the reputability of any advertising affiliates they choose to partner with for revenue purposes. If you browse a site that promotes Instantpcupdate.info or other attacks, contact the site's administrators immediately so that they can remove the hazardous content. Any other response on the part of an admin safely can be said to be an excellent reason to avoid the website altogether.