How Threat Actors Use Fake Software Updates to Infect Businesses
Neil Hare-Brown- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A pop-up says your browser is out of date. It looks convincing. You click “Update” — and malware begins silently downloading in the background.
Fake software updates are becoming one of the most effective ways for attackers to deliver malware to business users.
They don’t require phishing emails or compromised accounts — just a deceptive prompt and a moment of misplaced trust.
In this blog, we break down how fake update attacks work, where they’re appearing, and how your organisation can defend against them.
What Are Fake Update Attacks?
Fake update attacks — also known as drive-by malware downloads — involve tricking users into downloading malicious software disguised as legitimate browser, app or plugin updates.
How it typically works:
A user visits a compromised or malicious website: Often found via Google search (SEO poisoning) or through malicious ads.
A pop-up or banner appears urging a software update: It mimics the look of Chrome, Edge, or Adobe update prompts.
The user clicks “Download” or “Update”: Instead of a real update, malware is installed silently.
Malware takes hold: Attackers may install info stealers, remote access tools, or ransomware loaders without ever needing to send an email.
Real-World Examples
ClearFake Campaign:
Distributed fake Chrome and Edge updates on compromised WordPress sites, delivering the Raccoon Stealer malware to thousands of users.
FakeUpdate Campaigns (via SocGholish):
Widespread campaigns impersonating browser update alerts that dropped remote access trojans and later-stage ransomware.
SEO-Poisoning Sites:
Cybercriminals rank fake documentation or software support sites in search results to lure victims into downloading malware posing as legitimate updates.
Why These Attacks Are So Effective
✅ They bypass email security: No phishing links or attachments required.
✅ They look trustworthy: Designed to closely imitate real browser notifications.
✅ They rely on urgency: Users fear not updating may break their software or expose them to risk.
✅ They target the browser itself: Where users already expect to see updates and prompts.
Many of these attacks also include social engineering tricks such as countdown timers, alert noises, or fake security warnings to push immediate action.
How to Protect Your Business from Fake Update Attacks
Manage Updates Centrally
Ensure all browser and software updates are deployed via IT, not by end users. If staff never need to update manually, they won’t fall for fake prompts.
Train Employees to Pause
Provide clear guidance:“If you're ever prompted to install an update from a website, stop and check with IT.”
Block Malicious Domains and IPs
Use DNS filtering and web protection tools to stop users from accessing known malicious websites.
Use Endpoint Protection with Behavioural Detection
Tools that monitor for suspicious script execution or fileless malware are critical in catching what traditional antivirus might miss.
Monitor Browsing Activity for Anomalies
Sudden connections to unknown IPs or download activity from unexpected sites should be flagged and investigated.
Run Regular Cyber Exercises
Incorporate fake update scenarios into cyber incident exercising to see how your team responds.
What to Do If Someone Has Installed a Fake Update
✅ Isolate the device immediately
Disconnect from the network to stop lateral movement.
✅ Run a full endpoint scan
Look for remote access tools, credential stealers or command-and-control connections.
✅ Check for suspicious activity
Such as new services, scheduled tasks or unknown accounts.
✅ Consider incident response support
Especially if critical systems or data may have been accessed.
✅ Alert other users
Check for similar activity across the network.
How STORM Guidance Can Help
✔ Malware and ransomware incident response
✔ Cyber awareness training for fake update threats
✔ Endpoint security and browser policy reviews
✔ Dark web monitoring for leaked credentials
✔ Strategic guidance to build phishing-resistant infrastructure
Final Thoughts
Fake update attacks don’t need a phishing email — they just need a user to click “OK” without thinking.
By removing the need for manual updates, training your staff to be cautious, and investing in behavioural detection, your business can stay ahead of these increasingly common threats.
To prepare for advanced attack techniques and build stronger cyber resilience, explore Storm Guidance’s services.
