TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates — FakeUpdates Trojan Removal Guide

Written by Wilbur Woodham
If you spectate the alert of TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates detection, it looks like that your system has a problem. All viruses are dangerous, with no exceptions. FakeUpdates is a virus that aims at exposing your computer to further threats. Most of of the modern malware samples are complex, and can inject various other viruses. Getting the TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates malware often equals to getting a thing which is able act like spyware or stealer, downloader, and a backdoor. Spectating this detection means that you must to perform the removal as fast as you can.
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Any malware exists with the only target – generate profits on you1. And the programmers of these things are not thinking of ethicality – they use all possible ways. Grabbing your private data, receiving the payments for the ads you watch for them, exploiting your system components to mine cryptocurrencies – that is not the complete list of what they do. Do you want to be a riding steed? That is a rhetorical question.

What does the pop-up with TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates detection mean?

The TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates detection you can see in the lower right corner is shown to you by Microsoft Defender. That anti-malware application is pretty good at scanning, however, prone to be mainly unstable. It is defenseless to malware attacks, it has a glitchy interface and problematic malware removal features. Hence, the pop-up which states concerning the FakeUpdates is simply an alert that Defender has actually spotted it. To remove it, you will likely need to use another anti-malware program.

TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates found

Microsoft Defender: “TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates”

The exact TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates virus is a really undesirable thing. It sits into your Windows under the guise of something normal, or as a part of the app you have got on a forum. Then, it makes everything to make your system weaker. At the end of this “party”, it downloads other viruses – ones which are choosen by cyber burglars who control this malware. Hence, it is likely impossible to predict the effects from FakeUpdates actions. And the unpredictability is one of the most unwanted things when it comes to malware. That’s why it is better not to choose at all, and don’t give it even a single chance to complete its task.

Threat Summary:

Name FakeUpdates Trojan
Detection TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates
Details FakeUpdates tool that looks legitimate but can take control of your computer.
Fix Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by FakeUpdates Trojan

Is TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates dangerous?

As I have stated before, non-harmful malware does not exist. And TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates is not an exception. This virus modifies the system setups, edits the Group Policies and Windows registry. All of these elements are crucial for proper system operating, even when we are not talking about Windows safety. Therefore, the malware which FakeUpdates carries, or which it will download after some time, will try to get maximum profit from you. Cyber burglars can steal your personal information, and then sell it at the black market. Using adware and browser hijacker functionality, built in TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates malware, they can make revenue by showing you the banners. Each view gives them a penny, but 100 views per day = $1. 1000 victims who watch 100 banners per day – $1000. Easy math, but sad conclusions. It is a bad choice to be a donkey for crooks.

How did I get this virus?

It is difficult to line the sources of malware on your computer. Nowadays, things are mixed, and distribution tactics used by adware 5 years ago may be used by spyware nowadays. However, if we abstract from the exact spreading tactic and will think of why it works, the explanation will be pretty simple – low level of cybersecurity awareness. Individuals press on ads on weird sites, open the pop-ups they receive in their browsers, call the “Microsoft tech support” assuming that the odd banner that states about malware is true. It is very important to know what is legit – to prevent misunderstandings when trying to identify a virus.

Microsoft Tech Support Scam

Microsoft Tech Support Scam

Nowadays, there are two of the most common methods of malware distribution – bait emails and injection into a hacked program. While the first one is not so easy to evade – you must know a lot to recognize a fake – the second one is very easy to get rid of: just don’t utilize hacked applications. Torrent-trackers and other providers of “free” applications (which are, exactly, paid, but with a disabled license checking) are really a giveaway point of malware. And TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates is simply among them.

How to remove the TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates from my PC?

TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates malware is incredibly difficult to remove manually. It stores its documents in several places throughout the disk, and can restore itself from one of the elements. Additionally, various modifications in the registry, networking settings and also Group Policies are pretty hard to find and change to the initial. It is better to use a special tool – exactly, an anti-malware program. GridinSoft Anti-Malware will fit the most ideal for virus elimination reasons.

Why GridinSoft Anti-Malware? It is really light-weight and has its databases updated practically every hour. Additionally, it does not have such problems and weakness as Microsoft Defender does. The combination of these details makes GridinSoft Anti-Malware perfect for removing malware of any kind.

Remove the viruses with GridinSoft Anti-Malware

  • Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware. After the installation, you will be offered to perform the Standard Scan. Approve this action.
  • Gridinsoft Anti-Malware during the scan process

  • Standard scan checks the logical disk where the system files are stored, together with the files of programs you have already installed. The scan lasts up to 6 minutes.
  • GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan results

  • When the scan is over, you may choose the action for each detected virus. For all files of FakeUpdates the default option is “Delete”. Press “Apply” to finish the malware removal.
  • GridinSoft Anti-Malware - After Cleaning
How to Remove TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates Malware

Name: TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates

Description: If you have seen a message showing the “TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates found”, it seems that your system is in trouble. The FakeUpdates virus was detected, but to remove it, you need to use a security tool. Windows Defender, which has shown you this message, has detected the malware. However, Defender is not a reliable thing - it is prone to malfunction when it comes to malware removal. Getting the TrojanDownloader:JS/FakeUpdates malware on your PC is an unpleasant thing, and removing it as soon as possible must be your primary task.

Operating System: Windows

Application Category: Trojan

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References

  1. Read about malware types on GridinSoft Threat encyclopedia.

About the author

Wilbur Woodham

I was a technical writer from early in my career, and consider IT Security one of my foundational skills. I’m sharing my experience here, and I hope you find it useful.

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