Avoid downloading fake updates from worldofcontenting.info

What is worldofcontenting[.]info?

worldofcontenting[.]info is a scam web page promoting a fake Adobe Flash Player updater. Visitors to this site are presented with deceptive information claiming that Flash Player software is out of date on the system. Note that bogus software updaters often infiltrate dubious content into devices.

For example, they can be used to proliferate adware, browser hijackers and other Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) and even infect systems with malware (e.g. ransomware, trojans, etc.). Websites like worldofcontenting[.]info are usually accessed through redirects caused by intrusive ads or PUAs.

Once entered, worldofcontenting[.]info displays several pop-up windows in quick succession. The initial pop-up urges visitors to install the latest Flash Player updates to improve the plug-in's performance.

The message in this window then elaborates that Adobe Flash Player is an essential piece of software that enables users to view media such as videos, animation and play online games. As the version of Flash on users' systems is allegedly outdated (due to lack of latest security updates), it has been blocked.

To continue using the plug-in, the scam strongly recommends that users update it. The second pop-up, which overlays the first, repeats the same message, however, it is phrased differently. Rather than stating with certainty that Flash Player is outdated, it claims that the plug-in might lack the latest updates and it might have been blocked.

Both of these windows have buttons, which initiate download of the fake updater. Once any of these buttons is clicked, worldofcontenting[.]info provides installation instructions.

Note that nstalling these bogus updates will not update Adobe Flash Player - instead, users will unintentionally expose their systems to unwanted or malicious content. Third party updaters are high-risk, and you are advised to only update software with tools and functions provided by legitimate developers.

As mentioned in the introduction worldofcontenting[.]info can be force-opened by PUAs - these apps can also cause redirects to other deceptive/scam, sale-based, untrusted, rogue, compromised and even malicious sites. The capabilities of PUAs are varied. Adware-type apps deliver intrusive ad campaigns.

The resultant ads diminish the browsing experience (limit browsing speed and web page visibility), redirect to dubious/dangerous websites and stealthily download/install unwanted content. Other PUAs, classified as browser hijackers modify browsers, restrict/deny access to settings and promote fake search engines.

PUAs can often track data. They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations and other details).

This private data is then shared with third parties seeking to misuse it for profit. In summary, the presence of PUAs on devices can lead to browser/system infiltration and infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	worldofcontenting.info pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Fake Claim	Scam claims that visitor's Flash Player is outdated.
Detection Names (worldofcontenting[.]info)	ESET (Suspicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (worldofcontenting[.]info)	3.135.208.248
Promoted Unwanted Application	Scam 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.

theultimatesafevideoplayers.info, startmostnewestprogram.icu, and therightwaytofindplayering.pro are some examples of sites running similar scams. In general these schemes employ social engineering and scare tactics to encourage users into performing specific actions.

For example, to trick them into downloading/installing and/or purchasing nonoperational, untrusted or malicious software; calling expensive and fake technical support lines; revealing personal information (e.g. bank account or credit card details, etc.); making monetary transactions (e.g. fake fees and similar payments), and so on.

Popular scam models include claims that software is outdated and/or missing, warnings that the system is infected, prize giveaways, "unbelievable" offers, etc. The only purpose of these scams is to generate revenue for the designers at users' expense. Therefore, you are advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Certain PUAs have "official" download web pages, however, they also proliferate through download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing method of pre-packing normal content with unwanted or malicious software - is called "bundling".

Rushed download/installation processes (e.g. ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, etc.) - increase the risk of inadvertent installation of bundled content. Intrusive ads proliferate these apps as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts, designed to download/install PUAs without user permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

All products should be researched, before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), free file-hosting websites and other third party downloaders are untrusted and might offer likewise suspect content.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features and so on. Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling and others).

If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately eliminate 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 initially displayed by worldofcontenting[.]info:

Software update
Update your Adobe Flash Player

Install the latest Flash Player for better performances.

Update now

 "Adobe Flash Player" is an essential plugin for your browser that allows you to view everything from video to games and animation on the web. The version of “Adobe Flash Player" on your system does not include the latest security updates and has been blocked.

The version of this plug-in on your computer doesn't include the latest security updates. Flash cannot be used until you download an update from Adobe.

>
Click "Download Flash"
Install updates and enjoy performances.

Download Flash... Update

Screenshot of the second pop-up displayed by worldofcontenting[.]info:

Text presented in this pop-up:

Software update

“Flash Player” might be out-of-date

The version of this plug-in on your computer might not include the latest security updates. Flash might not work until you download an update.

Update Download Flash...

Screenshot of the fake Flash Player installation instructions:

Text presented in this page:

1
Go to the ‘Downloads’
Open your downloads list by
clicking on the top right corner
the ‘arrow’.
2
Open the file
Locate and double-click the file
starting with ‘Flash Player’.
3
Run the application
Confirm the installation by clicking
Continue and Install
buttons.
Type your password.
   
Click the Arrow Icon

Open the file

Right click on Installer icon and Open

Right click on Installer icon and Open
Confirm the installation by clicking
Continue and Install  buttons. Type your password.

Appearance of worldofcontenting[.]info scam (GIF):

Screenshot of the fake Flash Player updates installation setup:

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▼ 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 worldofcontenting.info 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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