Avoid getting scammed by the systemupdati.xyz website

What is the systemupdati[.]xyz site?

Systemupdati[.]xyz is a deceptive website running various scams. At the time of research, this site promoted three schemes. One of the scams claims that visitors' iPhones may be vulnerable due to visits to dangerous sites; the other two - request users to install/update software to continue watching content in safe mode.

Scams of this type primarily endorse fake anti-viruses, adware, browser hijackers, and other PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). In seldom cases, such schemes have been noted proliferating malware (e.g., ransomware, trojans, etc.).

Most users access scam webpages via redirects caused by rogue sites, intrusive advertisements, or PUAs installed onto their devices.

Systemupdati[.]xyz promoted scam overview

One of the systemupdati[.]xyz website's scam variants informs users that their iPhones may lack protection due to browsed harmful sites. Hence, personal data could be stolen for rogue advertising purposes. Then the scheme urges visitors to download/install a free "Security Application".

This webpage also promotes a version of the "VPN Update" scam. The third scheme - is presented as a security update. It pushes users into installing the "latest security app" to increase their online security.

As mentioned in the introduction, scams like those endorsed on systemupdati[.]xyz - tend to push untrustworthy/harmful software (e.g., PUAs).

Despite the legitimate appearance of such products, they seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. Fake anti-viruses are prime examples of this: they require activation (purchase) to perform their functions, yet afterwards - they remain nonoperational.

Furthermore, PUAs typically have hazardous abilities. Some can force-open dubious and malicious sites. Adware-types run intrusive ad campaigns. Another type, called browser hijacker - modifies browsers to promote fake search engines. Most PUAs also collect data relating to browsing activity and personally identifiable information - to sell to third-parties.

In summary, unwanted apps can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even lead to identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	systemupdati.xyz pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Mac malware, Mac virus
Fake Claim	Scams claim that the device is infected, requires VPN updates, or that a security app must be renewed.
Detection Names	Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Promoted Unwanted Application	Various dubious apps
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.

Online scams in general

Blocker[.]digital, svpni[.]cyou, landingpagesecure[.]com, and promoland[.]space are some examples of websites similar to the systemupdati[.]xyz site.

The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Common scam models include: infection warnings, security alerts, software update recommendations, fake giveaways and prize raffles, etc. Therefore, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs may have "official" download pages that can be promoted through scams. These applications are also spread using the "bundling" marketing tactic - packing regular software with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive advertisements appear harmless, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. 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 one of the scams promoted by systemupdati[.]xyz website:

Your iPhone may Not be

Protected!

Due to recent surfing on the dangerous sites, personal data on this iPhone may be stolen via fraudulent advertising.

 

Install the most trusted ad Security Application and activate for free to protect your personal data from possible stealing.

0 minute 33 seconds

Install    Cancel

Appearance of a "VPN Update" scam variant promoted by systemupdati[.]xyz website:

Text presented in this variant:

VPN Update

Please download VPN App to continue watching in safe mode

 

Install

0:11 / 1:38

Appearance of yet another scam promoted by systemupdati[.]xyz website:

Text presented in this variant:

Security Update

Please install and activate the latest security app to block online threats and continue watching in safe mode

 

Install

 

0:11 / 1:38

To enable pop-up blocking, fraudulent website warnings, and remove web browsing data in mobile Apple devices, follow these steps:

First, go to "Settings", and then scroll down to find and tap "Safari".

Check if the "Block Pop-ups" and "Fraudulent Website Warning" toggles are enabled. If not, enable them immediately. Then, scroll down and tap "Advanced".

Tap "Website Data" and then "Remove All Website Data".

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 "systemupdati[.]xyz"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a pop-up scam?

Pop-up scams are misleading messages intended to trick users into performing certain actions like downloading files, installing/purchasing endorsed (likely unreliable/malicious) software, disclosing private data (e.g., log-in credentials, names, addresses, emails, credit card numbers, etc.), making bogus payments, and so on.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

The primary goal of practically all pop-up scams is to generate revenue for their designers. This can be achieved by earning commission from website/software promotion, selling private information, proliferating malware, etc.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are promoted on untrustworthy websites, which are usually accessed inadvertently. Most users enter such sites via redirects caused by rogue webpages, deceptive browser notifications/ intrusive advertisements, or have them force-opened by harmful apps already installed onto their devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?

Combo Cleaner can scan visited sites and detect suspicious and malicious ones. Websites that run pop-up scams also fall within these classifications. Therefore, you will be warned, and access to such pages will be restricted.

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