Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Since Firefox is a collaborative effort from many people, how do I know that the code is secure?

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by fralish1

more options

I love using Firefox. That said, I'm very concerned about security. Since Firefox is a collaborative effort from many people, how do I know that the code (and it's potential weaknesses) are not available to those with bad motives?

I love using Firefox. That said, I'm very concerned about security. Since Firefox is a collaborative effort from many people, how do I know that the code (and it's potential weaknesses) are not available to those with bad motives?

Chosen solution

hi, yes firefox is an open source & collaborative project. not anyone who wants to change something in firefox can just do that. each change will be reviewed by a trusted firefox peer before it gets into the codebase. as for firefox being open source: security by obscurity is not a good concept to secure a product. you can see it like this: since firefox code is open to view by anyone there's also much more auditing going on than what would be possible otherwise...

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

hi, yes firefox is an open source & collaborative project. not anyone who wants to change something in firefox can just do that. each change will be reviewed by a trusted firefox peer before it gets into the codebase. as for firefox being open source: security by obscurity is not a good concept to secure a product. you can see it like this: since firefox code is open to view by anyone there's also much more auditing going on than what would be possible otherwise...

more options

Great answer. For my own information, how does your development/code-approval process differ from Edge, Chrome, Safari?