Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Has Firefox just sent an urgent download?

  • 2 replies
  • 8 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by ArkieOz

ArkieOz
ArkieOz
more options

Have just received a message to download Urgent download "Firefox patch.js" there is the Firefox emblem however it stated "publisher unknown" IS THIS FROM MOZILLA??

Have just received a message to download Urgent download "Firefox patch.js" there is the Firefox emblem however it stated "publisher unknown" IS THIS FROM MOZILLA??

Chosen solution

It sounds like you are getting a random named website claiming to have a urgent update. This is not from Mozilla or the Firefox web browser. The fake firefox-patch.exe and firefox-patch.js files can install things like trojans, viruses, or unwanted software on Windows based on past reports if the user runs them.

The updates are done internally in Firefox (with a .mar type of file) whether on Windows, Mac OSX or Linux or by download from mozilla.org like say www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

You could try using a adblocker extension like uBlock Origin to block theses fake ads if you keep getting them. https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/

Unfortunately this has gone on for over a month now with one or two new sites reported almost everyday. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/contributors/712056/ and https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/contributors/712075

Read this answer in context 👍 11

All Replies (2)

James
James
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator
more options

Chosen Solution

It sounds like you are getting a random named website claiming to have a urgent update. This is not from Mozilla or the Firefox web browser. The fake firefox-patch.exe and firefox-patch.js files can install things like trojans, viruses, or unwanted software on Windows based on past reports if the user runs them.

The updates are done internally in Firefox (with a .mar type of file) whether on Windows, Mac OSX or Linux or by download from mozilla.org like say www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

You could try using a adblocker extension like uBlock Origin to block theses fake ads if you keep getting them. https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/

Unfortunately this has gone on for over a month now with one or two new sites reported almost everyday. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/contributors/712056/ and https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/contributors/712075

ArkieOz
ArkieOz Question owner
more options

Thank you! This is what I thought. Now to get rid of it!!