Malware and Firefox automatic update. Safe?
I have the same malware problems as everyone else. It seems that Firefox is especially prone. The popup windows that ask to update Firefox are annoying but they can be handled. I am worried about the automatic update. Is it safe? If Mozilla can communicate with my computer automatically why can't a malware installer? As of late I am having problems with options changing. Why would an update change my options settings? They get changed. I am just worried about the level of security afforded by Mozilla. Maybe it's time to move on!!
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hello, automatic updates happen over an encrypted secure connection with a update server at mozilla - downloaded pieces of update are checked for integrity and won't be installed otherwise. this is no infection vector for malware...
also updates won't change your settings in most cases. you didn't describe in particular what kind of setting changed but if its the homepage or your search provider this is usually a sign of adware/malware present on a system:
- please go to the firefox menu ≡ > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc).
- also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there.
- finally, run a full scan of your system with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner, which are specialised in adware and browser hijackers.
Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware
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Chosen Solution
hello, automatic updates happen over an encrypted secure connection with a update server at mozilla - downloaded pieces of update are checked for integrity and won't be installed otherwise. this is no infection vector for malware...
also updates won't change your settings in most cases. you didn't describe in particular what kind of setting changed but if its the homepage or your search provider this is usually a sign of adware/malware present on a system:
- please go to the firefox menu ≡ > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc).
- also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there.
- finally, run a full scan of your system with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner, which are specialised in adware and browser hijackers.
Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware
The options changed usually involve things like proxy settings. This one is easily visible when you try to go to a website; however, some are not so visible. Why does Firefox allow people unknown to me install software plugins, tool bars, etc. without my permission? It would, I think, not be difficult to bar any installation without my permission. I'll bet it has to do with money and keeping content providers happy. It doesn't make me happy or improve my experience. Thanks for your prompt help, jd
Further to the above comment. One of the problems with malware detection software that resides on the infected machine is that the infection can modify the detection software. Neuter it, so to speak.
The software updates system has been in since Firefox 1.5 and has been proven safe.
Plugins (like Flash, Java, Quicktimes and the like) are not actually installed in Firefox but are on system and Firefox has scanned and is making use of them. This is why you can only activate/deactivate and not uninstall Plugins.