Your Version Of Yahoo Search Is Out Of Date POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is "Your version of Yahoo search is out of date"?

"Your version of Yahoo search is from date" is a scam presented as a notification about an available software update, however, its actual purpose is to trick people into downloading and installing a rogue Chromium web browser.

Scammers present this scam in the form of a pop-up window. Deceptive windows of this type are usually opened by potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). When installed, PUAs gather information and serve users with intrusive ads.

It is likely that the "Your version of Yahoo search is from data" scam is triggered by adware-type unwanted apps. First, a "Software Update" window pops up stating that the current Yahoo search provider is outdated. This window encourages users to update Yahoo search and also states that it will install Chromium.

In fact, it will install a rogue version of Chromium capable of reading and changing data on visited websites, capturing PC screen contents, managing downloads, and so on.

Apps that trigger deceptive pop-up windows (or open untrustworthy websites) and rogue Chromium browsers (that are also categorized as unwanted applications) have a number of features in common: they gather browsing related information and often feed users with various ads.

They collect geo-locations, IP addresses, URLs of visited websites, entered search queries and other information. It is also possible that they will record more personal and sensitive details. The people who develop these unwanted apps share the information with third parties (cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

Another issue with unwanted apps of this type is that they often feed users with intrusive advertisements including coupons, banners, pop-ups, and surveys. These are usually displayed through tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, they conceal underlying content of visited websites. They can be annoying and, if clicked, open dubious, malicious websites. In summary, these apps can cause many problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, and even identity theft. Remove all PUAs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Your version of Yahoo search is out of date" virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms	Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

There are many different scams used to trick people into installing untrustworthy software (and sometimes even to pay for it). Some other examples include "Fake Flash Player Update", "10 Critical Security Patches For Mac Flash Player", and "APPLE.COM RECOMMENDS".

Most PUAs are very similar and are promoted as useful, however, these are merely attempts to trick people into downloading/installing this rogue software. Few of these apps provide the features promised or any other value.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can sometimes be downloaded from their official websites, however, most are distributed using "bundling", a deceptive marketing method used to trick users into installing PUAs together with other software. Developers hide PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings/options of the installation/download set-ups.

Typically, information about bundled (additionally-included) unwanted apps is not properly disclosed and users who skip installation/download steps without studying them often install them apps without their knowledge. These actions can lead to inadvertent installations and expose users to risk of privacy/browsing safety problems.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software from official/trustworthy sources and using direct links only. Do not download software using third party software downloaders, torrents, untrustworthy websites, and so on. Install/download it by carefully inspecting each step and check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings or options.

Opt-out of offers to install bundled apps before completing the process. Avoid clicking intrusive advertisements, even if they seem legitimate. Many potentially malicious ads redirect users to untrustworthy websites such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on.

If you are redirected to untrustworthy websites after clicking these ads, check for suspicious entries on your browser (extensions, plug-ins, pop-ups) and programs on your computer. Remove all unwanted/unknown applications or programs immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshot of an installed rogue Chromium browser requesting various permissions:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "Your version of Yahoo search is out of date" virus?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

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