Avoid downloading fake updates from operateuberdevelopedprogram.icu

What is operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu?

Operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu is a deceptive webpage, the purpose of which is to push a fake Flash Player updater. It indirectly recommends visitors to update the aforementioned plug-in.

Fraudulent updates are commonly used to infiltrate PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) into devices and/or infect them with malicious software (trojans, ransomware and other malware).

In most cases operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu and other scam sites are accessed via redirects caused by clicking onto intrusive ads or force-opened by PUAs, already installed onto the system.

The first thing visitors to operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu see is a pop-window. It informs them that Flash Player is an essential browser plug-in. This important piece of software enables users to view content ranging from video, animation to playing games - online.

Flash is capable of supporting various data formats, like AMF, SWF, XML and JSON, as well as multimedia ones - .MP3, .FLV, .JPEG, .GIF, .PNG and .RTMP. This is not the only features of said plug-in, it also accelerates graphics rendering, decodes multi-thread video and supports webcams.

However, using the options presented by operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu (clicking either of the update/install buttons) - will not lead to users installing the latest updates of Flash Player. Instead, untrustworthy and/or malicious content will gain access to users' devices.

This will in turn compromise browser and system health, and can even endanger user safety. It is ill-advised to download/install and/or purchase products advertised with the use of such deceitful methods, as it is highly likely to result in serious problems.

As mentioned, PUAs can force-open operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu and other deceptive/scam webpages, however these apps can also open sale-based, untrustworthy, compromised and malicious pages. Other applications within this category can deliver intrusive advertisements (pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.).

Ads of this kind are more than just a nuisance, they are a threat as well - due to the dangerous websites they redirect and for their ability to download/install content without user consent. Yet another type can hijack browsers by making unauthorized changes to them and restricting/denying access to their settings.

PUAs usually appear legitimate and tempt users into installation with offers of "useful" features, which often do not work. Fake system cleaners/optimizers are a fine example of this. Unwanted apps of this sort require activation to perform their functions (i.e. they need to be purchased), yet following activation - they remain nonoperational.

Regardless of their specifications, most PUAs can track data. Information of interest includes (but is not limited to): IP addresses, browsing and search engine histories, geolocations and users' real-life personal details. This sensitive data can then be shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), intent on misusing it for profit.

In summary, PUAs can cause a variety of browser/system infiltrations and infections, lead to financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. To protect device and user safety - all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	operateuberdevelopedprogram.icu pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	Site implies visitors' Flash Player is outdated.
Detection Names	Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address	34.202.53.95
Promoted Unwanted Application	Site promotes fake Flash Player updates.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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.

Operatedevelopeduberprogram.icu and installcompletelyspeedyprogram.icu are sites identical to operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu. There are many pages similar to it as well, for example yourultimatesafevideoplayer.info, mainsiteofupgradenow.best, centersourceoffreeupgrade.best and countless others.

Scams use social engineering and scare-tactics to trick users into performing specific actions, like: downloading/installing/purchasing content, calling "free" phone-lines, making monetary transactions, revealing personal information, etc.

This can be achieved through false claims about outdated software, threats/issues present in the system, unbelievable prizes won and so on. The underlying goal of these schemes is to generate revenue for their designers at the users' expense.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs can infiltrate systems under the guise of different software (e.g. as updaters). "Bundling" is a very common proliferation method as well. This term refers to the false marketing technique of packing ordinary products together with unwanted or malicious applications.

Rushed download and installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, used pre-set options, etc.) - endanger devices with potential infiltrations and infections. Select PUAs have "official" promotional webpages, where they are often presented as "free". When clicked on, intrusive adverts can execute scripts, designed to stealthily download/install unwanted apps.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research products to verify their legitimacy, prior to downloading/installing them. Users are urged to only use official and trustworthy download sources.

Unreliable download channels, such as: free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule, etc.) and other third party downloaders - are more likely to offer deceptive and/or bundled software. Updating should always be done with tools/functions provided by genuine developers, as third party updaters are deemed to be high-risk.

When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features and other supplementary content. Intrusive advertisements tend to look legitimate and harmless, however they redirect to highly questionable pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and so on).

In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, users are advised to inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the pop-up window:

Software Update
Flash Player Update
Download new version
Update now

Flash Player is an essential plugin for your browser that allows you to view everything from video to games and animation on the web.
Flash Player supports several data formats AMF, SWF, XML and JSON. The multimedia formats which are supported by Flash Player include .MP3, .FLV, .JPEG, .GIF, .PNG and .RTMP.
Other supported features include accelerated graphics rendering, multi-thread video decoding and webcam support.

Later Install

Appearance of operateuberdevelopedprogram[.]icu scam (GIF):

Screenshot of the fake Flash Player update installation steps:

Screenshot of the fake Flash Player update installation set-up:

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 operateuberdevelopedprogram.icu pop-up?
• 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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