[davefrombc]

If the message comes in an e-mail, don't click on the link.. It is a scam. I can't speak for how Norton does it , but Java usually announces in the task bar . Firefox usually has a clear announcement when you open it. Never click on an update announcement that pops up when you are just doing some surfing or visiting favourite websites. That scum a/v pops up as a virus warning and supposed scan as soon as you visit a compromised website .. 2 clues it is malware .. 1 ... it is not your a/v ( Norton ) warning and scanning , and 2 .... legitimate a/v's just pop up a warning there is a virus/ trojan, they don't start any kind of scan. Just close the browser if you get a popup like that .. don't click anything on the page .
If you get an e-mail supposedly from your bank , PayPal, E-bay , or any other business you deal with telling you there is a problem with your account and to go to a link , don't click it .. it is a scam.
To find out for certain if there is an update to a service , or you need to contact your bank , PayPal, etc. Open your browser and type in the address you know is legitimate ( from your favourites, for example) and see if they in fact have an update, or in case of some programs from the help or tools link in the program itself. Messages from your bank or credit card company are best dealt with by phoning them at their normal number , not from one in an e-mail.
If you get messages supposed to be from friends pointing to a website or download , treat it with suspicion unless you are expecting the message . Make sure before opening a file or visiting a webpage in such mailings .
Basically , be a little paranoid of any mail with links, and " update" notifications that are out of the ordinary..