You’re browsing.
A popup appears:
“⚠️ Your Chrome is out of date. Click here to update now.”
Stop.
That’s not an update — it’s a trap.
Here’s how to spot fake software updates before they infect your system.
✅ 1. Real updates don’t come through popups
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Chrome, Firefox, Edge update inside the browser
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Windows updates through Settings
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Legitimate apps don’t push full-page banners for updates
✅ If it comes from a sketchy website — it’s not real.
✅ 2. Check the URL carefully
Real update URLs:
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https://www.google.com/chrome/ -
https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/
Fake ones:
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chrom3update.today -
browserpatch-now.xyz
✅ Misspelled or strange domains = scam.
✅ 3. Watch for auto-downloaded installers
If clicking “update” downloads a .exe or .zip without asking:
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Delete immediately
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Don’t open it
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Scan with VirusTotal
✅ 4. Updates never need third-party installers
Fake updates often bundle:
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Adware
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Remote access tools
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Fake antivirus software
✅ Only update through official software menus or app stores.
✅ 5. Use built-in auto-update features
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Chrome: Menu → Help → About Chrome
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Windows: Settings → Update & Security
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Adobe: Creative Cloud app only
Key points to remember
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Popups ≠ real updates
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Check URLs and source domains
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Don’t download unknown “update installers”
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Use app settings to update — never through a banner
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When in doubt, ignore it