Vidit Sehgal, founder and CEO of V4 IT, Australia’s fastest-growing on-site IT support and fix-it service, is warning Australians to be cautious about fake software update notifications, which are becoming an increasingly common tool for cybercriminals.

Sehgal warns that his firm is seeing a worrying increase in the number of people being scammed by fake software updates. Microsoft has recently shared a workaround for users affected by a known issue that blocks Windows security updates from deploying on some Windows 11 24H2 systems. Unfortunately scammers are using this event to lure people into thinking their scam update is real.

“Scam update requests are one of the easiest ways for hackers to trick people into installing malware,” Sehgal said.

“These fake updates often look convincing, but clicking on them can lead to stolen personal information, financial loss or even complete system takeovers. With Microsoft undertaking updates, many people think their system update request is just part of this tranche of updates – which it is not.”

How to spot a fake software update request

According to V4 IT, here are the key warning signs that a software update request might be a scam.

Unexpected pop ups

“If an update notification appears randomly while you’re browsing a website, it’s likely fake. Legitimate updates usually come from your device’s system settings, not pop-up ads,” Sehgal said.

Poor grammar and spelling

“Many scam notifications have typos or awkward wording, a clear red flag. Check the notification without clicking on it to see if you can identify these types of issues. Usually they are easy to detect, but scammers are getting better at creating sophisticated alerts,” Sehgal said.

Requests to call

“Fake software update popups often include a phone number to call on. Generally these are an 1800 number or 02 (NSW) number. Genuine notifications will never ask anyone to call anywhere for an update,” Sehgal said.

“While these numbers can look legitimate, they are simply numbers that take you to a scam call centre.”

Strange URLS or download links

“If you’re asked to download an update from an unfamiliar website, don’t do it. Official updates only come from verified sources like Microsoft, Apple or Adobe,” Sehgal said.

Requests for personal information

“Software updates should never ask for credit card details or personal information. If you are asked for this information you know the update is a scam,” Sehgal said.

Urgency and fear tactics

“If you get messages with warnings such as ‘update now or lose access’, or ‘critical update required immediately’, these are clearly a scam and designed to pressure you into clicking,” Sehgal said.

How to safely update your software

Sehgal advises Australians to only update software through official channels, following these steps:

• Check system settings: Always update your system and apps through the official settings menu including Windows Update, Mac App Store, Google Play of the Apple App Store,
• Visit the official website of the software: If you’re unsure about an update, go directly to the company’s website such as www.microsoft or www.adobe instead of clicking on the notification,
• Use trusted security software: An up-to-date antivirus program can help detect and block suspicious downloads,
• Enable automatic updates: This ensures your system stays secure without needing to manually approve updates; and
• Get your computer checked at least every six months to a year by a professional. It won’t cost you a lot but it will ensure you are reducing risks, keeping your computer safe and importantly keeping your personal informational secure.

Australians at risk as scammers get smarter

Cybercriminals are using more sophisticated tactics, including fake email alerts from Microsoft, Apple and popular antivirus providers. These scams are particularly dangerous for small businesses and remote workers who rely on their devices for daily operations.

“Scammers are getting better at mimicking real software notifications,” Sehgal said.

“If you’re ever unsure whether an update is real or fake, contact a trusted IT professional before clicking anything.”

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