How to remove “Chrome is out of date” virus popups

Those using Windows and Mac versions of Google Chrome are being annoyed by popups that say “Chrome is out of date”, so here is how to get rid of the rogue ads.

1. What is “Chrome is out of date” virus?
2. Automated removal of the “Chrome is out of date” virus
3. Restore Chrome browser settings

What is “Chrome is out of date” virus?

There is an incredibly vast range of methods that the present-day computer crooks leverage to peddle their junk software or malware. They can disseminate it over spam, drive-by downloads, bundling, and a bevy of suchlike techniques. One peculiar vector, though, comes down to using a certain virus sample to push another strain. This is what’s going on in the framework of the “Chrome is out of date” malvertising campaign. At first sight, such a distribution mechanism appears a bit too complex, because it presupposes that a sketchy code specimen is already on board a computer and adjusts the browser settings to another round of malware promotion. Given the abundance of the associated reports on security forums, though, this complexity isn’t an obstacle to the criminals at all.

The “Chrome is out of date” popup alerts appear within the Google Chrome window and additionally say, “Important security improvements and new features are available in the latest version”. The wording might differ from the above, but the idea is the same: to get the victim interested and encourage them to proceed. The “Update Chrome” button is what the malefactors want the user to click as it leads to the potentially unwanted program being endorsed. Even in case of an opt-out through the X or “No, thank you” button, the dialog will vanish for a while, only to reappear very soon. Be advised the spoof notifications may look a bit different and read, “Urgent Chrome update”, “Chrome update pending”, or “You are using an outdated version of Chrome”. Regardless of the type, the goal of such popups is to spread opportunistic harmful code.

As mentioned above, Apple Mac machines are also susceptible to this attack as long as the Chrome browser is running on them. The emphasis in these alerts is on reducing risks to private data rather than fine-tuning the features and overall functionality. In this scenario, the “Scan for a new version” button is the conduit to the affiliated harmful entity. Regardless of the operating system, the source of these popups is a questionably benign Chrome plugin or add-on, such as the “Click&Clean” cookie wiper or the “Magic Actions for YouTube” extension, which tiptoes into a computer alongside freeware. This happens when the unsuspecting user installs a new application using a setup client that encompasses multiple items instead of one. As a result, the person is unaware of the “company” and thinks it’s only the core app that’s being installed. Under the circumstances, it’s strongly recommended to reject the default setup option in favor of the custom method, which usually allows for viewing the components and unchecking redundant ones.

What is it that the ad campaign in question is promoting? The resulting infection may vary, but the most likely payload is for Chromium based malware. It is a fully-functional web browser that looks like Chrome but goes with predefined custom settings, such as the homepage, new tab and search engine. This way, the perpetrators make sure people visit specific sites on a recurrent basis and unwittingly participate in shady traffic monetization. With that said, the payload can just as well be any other form adware or virus, so the “Chrome is out of date” popups might be a one-size-fits-all source of computer contamination. Obviously, it should be eradicated without delay.

Automated removal of the “Chrome is out of date” virus

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download Chrome is out of date virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

Use Control Panel to get rid of the “Chrome is out of date” popup virus

• Open up the Control Panel from your Start menu in Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 and select Uninstall a program

• To facilitate the process of locating the threat, sort the programs list by date to get the latest ones displayed at the very top. Find a suspicious or clearly malicious entry under the Name column, click Uninstall and follow further directions to get the removal done

Restore Chrome browser settings to their original defaults

In the circumstances of a complex browser hijack like this, executing a reset makes the most sense despite a few obvious downsides. Customizations such as saved passwords, bookmarked pages, etc. will be gone, but so will all the changes made by the potentially unwanted program. The instructions below address the workflow for the web browser targeted by this virus.

Reset Google Chrome on Windows PC

• Open Chrome, expand the Customize and control Google Chrome menu and choose Settings

• Scroll down the settings screen and click Advanced down at the bottom

• Move on to the Reset and clean up sub-section and select the option that says Restore settings to their original defaults

• Finally, confirm the restoration by clicking Reset settings on the warning message

• Restart Chrome.

Reset Google Chrome on Mac

• Open Chrome and go to Settings. Alternatively, you can type or paste chrome://settings in the URL bar
• Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select Advanced Settings
• Find the “Reset settings” subsection and click the apropos Reset settings button as shown below

• Chrome will display a dialog where you are supposed to confirm the reset. Do so and restart the browser.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup.

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