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Are there "fake" update messages from malware?

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  • 10 have this problem
  • 28 views
  • Last reply by James

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During Firefox use today, a popup window came into view urging me to update my current version of Firefox. I was engaged with another chore and did not... and then forgot I had the popup and closed Firefox without acting upon it.

I do not have updates set to update "automatically" but rather to inform me of the needed updates. I have "Block popup windows" activated in Firefox. I am running Firefox v. 25.0.1

The popup looked like the usual Firefox browser update pop-up, including indications that the update offered enhancements in security.

Remembering that I was asked to update - I searched (in vain) for a button in one of the menus saying "Search for Updates" or "Update Firefox." That button is seemingly no longer available. The popup did not reassert itself.

I finally resorted to going to "Firefox Health Report" and searching through there to find the report on my present version of Firefox, and then to request info. I was told that my *current version of Firefox is the latest available. You are up to date."

So - was the popup created by malware? Is there a way for malware to "pretend" to be an official Firefox update pop-up window? I have clicked to update using similar windows in the past - have I installed a malware version or an official version of Firefox? How can I tell them apart?

Thank you

During Firefox use today, a popup window came into view urging me to update my current version of Firefox. I was engaged with another chore and did not... and then forgot I had the popup and closed Firefox without acting upon it. I do not have updates set to update "automatically" but rather to inform me of the needed updates. I have "Block popup windows" activated in Firefox. I am running Firefox v. 25.0.1 The popup looked like the usual Firefox browser update pop-up, including indications that the update offered enhancements in security. Remembering that I was asked to update - I searched (in vain) for a button in one of the menus saying "Search for Updates" or "Update Firefox." That button is seemingly no longer available. The popup did not reassert itself. I finally resorted to going to "Firefox Health Report" and searching through there to find the report on my present version of Firefox, and then to request info. I was told that my *current version of Firefox is the latest available. You are up to date." So - was the popup created by malware? Is there a way for malware to "pretend" to be an official Firefox update pop-up window? I have clicked to update using similar windows in the past - have I installed a malware version or an official version of Firefox? How can I tell them apart? Thank you

Chosen solution

Hello michaelbix, menu to update firefox is (on mac) Firefox menu > About Firefox. see : Update Firefox to the latest version

26.0 is the latest (stable) firefox version, so, you must update.

anyway, if you have problem with update firefox the better way is to download and install the new version.

1. Download a copy of the latest firefox from http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html

2. Trash the current Firefox application to do a clean install.

3. Install the version that you have downloaded.


Do not select to remove your personal data, your profile data is stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder, so you won't lose your bookmarks or other personal data.

see also: Installing Firefox on Mac


thank you

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Chosen Solution

Hello michaelbix, menu to update firefox is (on mac) Firefox menu > About Firefox. see : Update Firefox to the latest version

26.0 is the latest (stable) firefox version, so, you must update.

anyway, if you have problem with update firefox the better way is to download and install the new version.

1. Download a copy of the latest firefox from http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html

2. Trash the current Firefox application to do a clean install.

3. Install the version that you have downloaded.


Do not select to remove your personal data, your profile data is stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder, so you won't lose your bookmarks or other personal data.

see also: Installing Firefox on Mac


thank you

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Firefox 26.0 was released on December 10 however the update prompts were throttled so users did not get a update prompt until yesterday when updates were unthrottled.