Why does Mozilla allow virus manufacturers to compromise their browser?
I've been using Firefox for about a decade now, and I've always preferred it to the built in IE software. However, for the last year (or more) I have suffered more and more issues with your browser than ever before (being redirected from trusted pages to BS like www.updateselfnet.com, virus installers launching any user input, Flash player failures 3/4 times I try to watch a video).
It seems to me that mozilla is okay with providing a compromised browser, and I can only assume that being paid by internet companies to help push their malware or advertising software is more important than providing a "safe browsing experience".
I'm looking for a browser that works more effectively with actual anti-virus software, and delivers on the user experience that is promised. Maybe an actual pop-up blocker built in would be fantastic (rather than saying it blocks pop-ups, while allowing 75% of them to ruin my day).
Looking forward to a response. I'm hoping for more than "We promise we don't allow 3rd party organizations to piggyback their unwanted software on our browser, we deny any culpability or responsibility for anything happening to you using our software, thanks for the support".
-C
Todas as respostas (4)
hello CDinsectionP, your assumption that mozilla would somehow profit financially from crapware hijacking the browser is just wrong. once you have malware running locally on your machine it's pretty much game over, such software can alter the behaviour of any program and your operating system. a browser is not build to defend against that - it should contain safeguards against vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely though, so you can't be infected by just browsing a malicious website.
what you should do if your firefox is affected by adware/malware are the following steps:
- reset firefox (this will keep your bookmarks and passwords)
- afterwards go to the firefox menu ≡ > addons > extensions and in case there are still extensions listed there, disable them.
- run a full scan of your system with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes and adwcleaner that are specialised in browser hijackers and to make sure that adware isn't present in other places of your system as well.
Separate Issue; Update your Shockwave Flash v15.0.0.152 http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/
None of what you mention comes with Firefox when you get Firefox directly from Mozilla.
Beyond that, it's hard for a web browser to stop users from installing "stuff" that may compromise their PC or may carry malware with a download.
Good anti-virus software, good anti-malware software, and a little bit of research on the internet about the stuff that you want to install, before you even download something is a good start. [It's called taking personal responsibility for the "stuff" that you install.]
It’s very sad, but many of the software down-loaders / installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well. You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print. You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does. From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.