It is most likely from a tab. Are you using Malwarebytes? Their IP protection is far from perfect

Yes, but nevertheless, that doesn't answer my question as to who, or what IP 78.159.112.71 address is about and why?

Ping, DNS, Whois, IP Block, Dig, Tracert, Finger queries indicate that it is an otherwise a hidden site.

http://www.malwaregroup.com/Domains/details/www.omsearch.net

Looks like a shared IP address.

While my Firewall log shows that it is FireFox that is attempting to connect to 78.159.112.71, whereas http://www.mozilla.com is located in Mountain View, California, the IP address 78.159.112.71 wouldn't seem to be a proxy server for FireFox.

My original question remains unanswered.

My last response was in reply to the email I received, so I didn't note the helpful URL malwaregroup.com you kindly provided.

It would now appear that there is an out-sourced tracking on various web sites I have loaded ...... interesting ....... but I can't remember anything that would be out of the ordinary in some of my web browsing.

For future reference, I'm having trouble navigating the malwaregroup.com site. How did you get to the page on 78.159.112.71 ?

Back to my original question in part, if I may, could there be some sort of malevolent Bot buried somewhere in FireFox or through one of it's add-ons or plug-ins that is at the root of this issue. Albeit I have the IP address now blocked by my Firewall, the relevant cause still has not been yet resolved.

I am bothered by the lack of information when I have Googled the IP address and as a geriatric neophyte, I would hate to think that I have something installed on my computer about which yet isn't in the mainstream of public awareness.

thx

Ted

thx

Ted

I think that I have now found the source of my issue with IP address 78.159.112.71 in Germany.

It appears to be eBay's out-sourced customer tracking of the user's eBay browsing, as noted by their "AdChoice" option at the upper left corner of the banner add, as follows:

Quote

In order to show ads tailored to your interests, eBay Inc.

       may use information about you, such as the content you 
       view or the search terms you enter. You have the ability
       to opt out of these customized ads at any time.

We think these customized ads can help us improve your

       experience whether you are on eBay Inc. websites or 
       anywhere else on the web.

If you decide to opt out of customized advertising, please

       keep in mind you'll still see ads, but they won't be tailored
       to your interests.

You can read more about our privacy policy or continue to

       AdChoice advertising preferences to opt in or out of 
       customized ads.

UnQuote

Thanks for everyone's help in quest to learn what was happening. Now that I know what's happening, I have now firewall blocked IP address 78.159.112.71.