Avoid getting scammed by "Antivirus Update is prepared" pop-up scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
"Antivirus Update is prepared" removal instructions
What is "Antivirus Update is prepared"?
"Antivirus Update is prepared" is a deceitful pop-up window, displayed by scam websites. By implying that users' antivirus software requires to be updated (is outdated) and their device is at risk, attempts to push them into downloading/installing untrustworthy and/or possibly malicious content. PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) are often spread through such scams, for example: fake antivirus programs, adware, browser hijackers, etc. Users should note that no site can detect issues/threats present in systems, so ones making similar claims - are not to be trusted. Additionally, few visitors to deceptive/scam webpages enter them intentionally, most get redirected by intrusive ads or by PUAs, already infiltrated into the device.
The text presented in the "Antivirus Update is prepared" scam page, claims that the visitors' system may be infected with various viruses. It recommends them to update their "PC Cleaner" to prevent further damage to the system. This fake update is supposedly necessary to protect the system and personal data stored in the device (e.g. applications, photos and other files) from other potential infections. This page also lists currently available updates. When the "Install Update" button is clicked, the webpage displays a pop-window. The text therein states that the update has been prepared and urges users to click the "Download Update" button to initiate the update process. Pressing this button will redirect to the promotional page of some untrustworthy product. At the time of research, the redirect of the studied sample was broken. However, there are plenty of identical and similar scams on the Internet; this scam model (device is infected / antivirus needs to be updated) is popular and scammers reuse the same site design throughout hundreds of webpages. It must be emphasized that these scams have but one purpose - to generate revenue for their designers. Usually, this goal is achieved through the promotion of illegitimate, nonoperational, untrustworthy and even malicious software. It is expressly advised against downloading/installing and/or purchase products promoted via such dubious methods, as doing so can lead to serious issues and endanger device/user safety. In case a deceptive website cannot be closed by closing the browser tab/window, it is necessary to terminate the browser process using the Task Manager. However, the next time the browser is opened - the previous session should not be restored, otherwise the scam site will be reopened as well.
Schemes in the vein of "Antivirus Update is prepared" typically promote fake system cleaners/optimizers. This type of PUA requires to be activated (i.e. it needs to be purchased to perform the advertised functions), yet following activation - remains nonoperational. One of the main culprits behind rogue redirects to a various harmful websites (e.g. deceptive/scam, untrustworthy, compromised and malicious pages) are PUAs. However, apps under this classification can have other heinous abilities. They can run intrusive advertisement campaigns - deliver browsing-quality diminishing, undesirable and dangerous adverts. Other types can modify browsers and restrict/deny access to their settings. Most PUAs, regardless of type, can track data. They monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect users' personal information inferred from it (IP addresses, geolocations and real-life details). It is highly likely that this gathered data is then shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals), intent on misusing it for profit. In summary, PUAs can lead to browser and system infiltrations/infections, financial losses, severe privacy issues and even identity theft. Therefore, it is recommended to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Antivirus Update is prepared pop-up |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Scam claims visitors device might be infected and recommends updating their antivirus. |
| Related Domains | protectyourpc-al[.]club |
| Detection Names (protectyourpc-al[.]club) | CyRadar (Malicious), Avira (no cloud) (Phishing), ESET (Malware), Fortinet (Phishing), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Removal |
To eliminate Antivirus Update is prepared pop-up our malware researchers recommend scanning your computer with Spyhunter. |
"ERROR 0xC004FC03", "Your PC is infected with 5 viruses" and "Norton Subscription Has Expired Today" are examples of scams similar to "Antivirus Update is prepared". Social engineering and scare-tactics are used to further these schemes. Alerts of outdated software, warnings of viruses present in the system, announcements of ludicrous prizes won - are a few common scam models. They are designed to trick users into performing specific actions, e.g. downloading/installing/purchasing untrustworthy and/or malicious programs, calling expensive fraudulent technical support lines, making monetary transactions (paying fake fees, fines and other payments), revealing personal information and so on.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Select PUAs have "official" download webpages, which in turn are commonly promoted by deceptive/scam sites. However, PUAs also spread via download/installation setups of other software. The false marketing method of pre-packing regular products with unwanted or malicious programs is called "bundling". When downloading/installing, by ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options - users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content onto devices. Intrusive ads also proliferate these applications. Once such an advert is clicked - it can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research products to verify their legitimacy, before downloading/installing/purchasing them. Only official and verified download channels should be used. Sources like: free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders - are considered to be untrustworthy, hence are advised against use. When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from bundled additions (apps, tools, features and so on). Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous, however they generate redirects to questionable and unreliable pages (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.). Should users experience adverts/redirects of this kind, they are to check the system and remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Spyhunter for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Antivirus Update is prepared" page:
UPDATE & SECURITY
Antivirus Update
System Defender
Backup
Recovery
Activation
For Developers
Antivirus Update
Update Status
Your PC may be infected by viruses. An urgent update is recommended for PC Cleaner to protect the system from viruses and prevent further damage to the system in your personal data, such as the loss of applications, photos or other files.
Install Update
Updates are available:
2018-08 Cumulative Update for Windows Version 1703 for x64-based Systems
(KB4025342)
2018-09 Cumulative Update for Windows Version 1703 for x64-based Systems
(KB4022725)
Advanced Options
Screenshot of the pop-up presented by "Antivirus Update is prepared" scam:
Text presented in the pop-up window:
Antivirus Update is prepared
Click the button below to download update
Download Update
The appearance of "Antivirus Update is prepared" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic removal of Antivirus Update is prepared pop-up:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Antivirus Update is prepared pop-up. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Spyhunter
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.
Quick menu:
- What is "Antivirus Update is prepared"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Mac OSX users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the antivirus update is prepared pop-up, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the antivirus update is prepared pop-up, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with antivirus update is prepared pop-up removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:
Click the three horizontal dots icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".
Optional method:
Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.
In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.
Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.
- If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove antivirus update is prepared pop-up from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!