Actual update or a malware ?
Hello, I've only recently started using Firefox and the browser used to update automatically, however, today, I got a pop-up message asking me to update it. It was from "Mozilla Corporation", plus at that time the browser was working extremely slow, which that got me thinking that maybe it wasn't working efficiently due to not being updated. So, I ran the program and installed the update, and later, on visiting this page, I got to know that most of such pop-ups are malwares. I got extremely scared and decided to search the update history of the browser.
It said the following:
"Firefox 100.0 Installed on: (today's date) Status: The update could not be installed (patch apply failed)."
This confused me further as I don't know if what I installed was a malware program or a genuine update.
Could you please help me out ?
All Replies (4)
Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of the original pop-up (thought it was authentic, so, didn't care to click one). I just wish to know if it's possible for an installed malware to appear in Mozilla Firefox's update history (with the latest update having the same date and time of installation as the suspected pop-up).
I understand, thank you so much for replying.
Just one more thing I wanted to ask: does Mozilla never inform of Firefox updates via pop-ups ? Or is it uncommon but still a possibility ?
Also, I have the photo of Firefox update list with the latest update having the same date and time of installation as the suspected pop-up. It has the name of the update: Firefox 100.0 (followed by a number starting with 2022...... .. in brackets), date and time of installation and the status (it's currently saying that the update could not be installed (patch apply failed)). Would sharing that help ?
Whenever you get a message / popup that software / files need to be updated;
DO NOT USE ANY OF PROVIDED LINKS
While this may be a legitimate message, it could also be Malware or a Virus. Anytime you want or need to check for upgrades, go to the website of the True Owner of the program in question. For example, to check out Firefox, go to https://www.mozilla.org
You can report such a site at;
http://www.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/
Google Report Phishing Page
which is the same when done while on site by going to
Help > Report Web Forgery
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/legal/fraud-report/ Help us safeguard Mozilla’s trademarks by reporting misuse
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/avoid-and-report-mozilla-tech-support-scams
If you have trouble with the upgrade, use this link; http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/
You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no
Run most or all of the listed free to use malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.