When are the "Security Programs" going to stop the "FAKE" malware FF updates??

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THE FAKE FIREFOX UPDATE MALWARE INFORMATION FROM POPPING UP ON THE ENTIRE SCREEN.

When are the “Security Programs” going to STOP the FAKE Firefox updates (MALWARE) from popping up on the page you have browsed to?   I have not seen ANY Security Programs (which you pay for also), stopping this from continuing to occur.   Any and all advice is appreciated.   This is a VERY “bad one”, and it comes from more than one source.    All “Security Programs” should have the ability to BLOCK these types of malware.    We are spending an inordinate amount of time just trying to avoid the update issues, and other problems without this one on top of everything else.    🙁   🙁

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Are you using a Firefox extension that blocks ads?

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walker

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@Mr.Brian:    No, never to my knowledge have I ever used any add-on to block ads.   I can check once again (on the add-on list).   Is there anywhere else I can try to determine if that function is being utilized?   I’ve NEVER used anything such as that, and I see ads all of the time on my emails, and almost every website I visit.  I had this pop-up with the “old” FF version, and now have the 57 version (which I do not care for).    Far too little knowledge provided to “this user”  (moi), however I’m handicapped by the lack of information which I’m sure I need

Thank you for your question.  I’ll be away for a while, however will try to re-check this once again, and be back later this afternoon.  Thank you again, Mr.Brian for your extensive computer knowledge, and expertise.   It is absolutely astounding, and I appreciate it very, very much.   🙂  🙂

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List your security software to see whether they might be improved upon; generally, new server sources for these ‘popular’ malware/fakes are created daily and slight modifications are also made to the source content to avoid detection – the more responsive your protection is in updating definitions/site blocking and the more frequently they/you check for those updates, the lower the chances of them cropping up.

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walker

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@satrow:  I use ESET Version 10, Smart Security, and in the past have seen this pop-up more than once.   I did contact ESET, however did not ask them the reason that something as “bad” as this is not blocked.   My error, however if it were possible, it appears to me that it would have already been blocked.   When this “nightmare hits the screen it takes up the entire page.   The “options” are to “save” or “cancel”. 

I find it difficult to understand the reason that this is running rampant, without any  means to stop it.   Thank  you for your message.   I appreciate all of the help I can get, as I’m one of those who is hampered severely by being “computer illiterate”.

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For ad blocking, I recommend adding Firefox extension uBlock Origin and leavings its settings at defaults.

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satrow, walker

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Mr.Brian:   I have never used any kind of ad blocker, as I’ve always just ignored them.   So I don’t know where these crazy “fake” updates are coming from (the garbage attached always has a different bunch of junk on it).   I made a screenshot of one and then deleted it when I noted that the “junk” was always different, however I did write the information down, as follows  (it’s the return address which is different, everything else is the same) :

This FAKE “update” appears as follows:

The Firefox logo is in the middle of the page (page is totally covered with colored background & FF logo).  It says:

firefox-patch.js

Java Script File:

From:  https://mai0vprimusteam.com

*****(I think I copied the following twice)

(think it then said opening firefox- patch.js)

firefox-patch.js

which is:  Java Script File*****

Would you like to save this file?

****the Options are:      Save file     (space)       Cancel

That’s “it”.   I have seen several references when doing a search about “how to get rid of this “malware monster”, however I haven’t had time to try to do any research, and I also want to send a message to Mozilla and ask them about this as well.

As I mentioned, I’ve never, ever had an adblocker because I ignore them.  I also verified that I do not have such an add-on on the program, so I am at a loss to explain anything about that possibility.  Apologies for my usual “state of ignorance”.  Thank you for the questions you have asked.   I am hoping to get a response from Mozilla if I can get logged in there later.  Thank you again, Mr.Brian.    🙂  🙂

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@ walker

walker wrote:

When are the “Security Programs” going to STOP the FAKE Firefox updates (MALWARE) from popping up on the page you have browsed to? I have not seen ANY Security Programs (which you pay for also), stopping this from continuing to occur.

and

walker wrote:

… I also want to send a message to Mozilla and ask them about this as well.

Oh–if only it were so easy! Trust me–popup ads have been around for as long as I can remember using browsers in Windows (i.e. Windows version 3.1 in the early to mid-1990’s) and the internet! If it were *easy*, don’t you think it would have been dealt with a long time ago?

Having said that….there are some things that you can do to reduce the number of ads and the number of popups–but, it sounds like you may not have done *everything* that might make your situation *better*. Also, based on some of your statements, it sounds like you might have a significant problem on your computer that needs to be dealt with. Most likely easily dealt with, but it does take a few steps to determine if you have a problem, and then what to do with it.

I know the Security Software and FireFox Software developers have let you down–but there are some things you can do to take back your computer and internet experience if you want to–do you want to?

Let me start with this:

walker wrote:

This is a VERY “bad one”, and it comes from more than one source. All “Security Programs” should have the ability to BLOCK these types of malware.

Are you saying that it does not matter which website you visit, you continue to get this same popup ad. Or, are you visiting the *same* website over and over again, and you get the popup ad, but the ad has a different source link associated with it, like you mentioned here:

walker wrote:

Java Script File:
From: https://mai0vprimusteam.com

The answer makes a possible difference in what may be the problem! If you get the popups no matter what website you may visit, then it’s probably not the website that is responsible for the issue! You may have *malware* installed on your computer that is what’s called an *ad server* that is serving up ads to your browser regardless of where you are surfing to.

On the other hand, if you surf to the same website and you always get a popup there, but with different ads depending on the visit–then the problem is more likely on that website–it is serving up the ads to your browser on each visit–and more likely you do not have *malware* installed on your computer.

So, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce, and possibly eliminate the particular popup you are concerned about–but it will take some steps to do so ….

If you’re interested and ready, we can begin ….

NightOwl

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walker

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@Mr.Brian:  I had intended to thank you for the information you provided for the uBlock Origin before now.    I will follow your instructions, and hopefully won’t go “awry”.  I don’t know the definition of what the constant references I see which refer to “filters” are, so I’m hoping one of those references is not “there”.

As usual, the lack of experience, and expertise are the nemesis I normally have to deal with.  Thank you once again for the very helpful information.     🙂   🙂

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@NightOwl:    I know I had a message ready to send, and then had someone come to the door, and was away for a while.    Now I can’t locate it, so will try to start over (to some degree)   – – –

First I must apologize for being so far behind that I was unable to get your message read sooner.   I will be busy until next week, and hope to have  an opportunity to review your message.   I’m “computer challenged” as I like to euphemistically try to refer to it.

I can unequivocally state that these FAKE update pop-ups just jump out of nowhere!   I’m sure I’m just doing a “search” and that seems to be when “it” strikes.  It’s like one of those “drive-by” things which are referred to hi-jacking  your browser (I think).   I think it’s the “searches” are where I am vulnerable, however I must return to Mozilla to try to see what their recommendations are.   I’m sure there was something on there, however as I mentioned I am behind and need to do a lot of reading to try to get caught up.

I’ve seen that some websites do not want “ad-blockers” too.   I hope I will be able to return to this Topic next week sometime and try to become more familiar with this “FAKE” update thing.   The only thing different about these is the “gobelty gook” address shown.  I would love to be computer literate enough to have the ability to “hunt them down”!!!

Thank you for your reply, and hopefully, I will be able to return to this Topic next week again.     🙂   🙂

 

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walker

walker wrote:

First I must apologize for being so far behind that I was unable to get your message read sooner. I will be busy until next week, and hope to have an opportunity to review your message.

No need for any apologies–there’s no requirements as to how fast you respond to my/our postings. And, no hurries or worries–respond whenever you are ready and able! Actually, AskWoody’s website is scheduled to go offline beginning late tonight or maybe early tomorrow morning for maintenance–so none of us will be able to post or read material online during that downtime.

Actually, I have to suspect you are in a bigger hurry than I am, being as you are the one having the issues, and (knock on wood) I am not having similar problems, at least not at this time (did in the past–and I had to fix it!).

walker wrote:

I can unequivocally state that these FAKE update pop-ups just jump out of nowhere! I’m sure I’m just doing a “search” and that seems to be when “it” strikes. It’s like one of those “drive-by” things which are referred to hi-jacking your browser (I think). I think it’s the “searches” are where I am vulnerable, however I must return to Mozilla to try to see what their recommendations are

Well, that answer is worrisome. If these popup ads are coming up randomly, and not from one or more specific websites, then that strongly suggests possible *malware* that may be downloaded, and installed on your computer, and is serving up these ads on its own schedule.

What search engine are you using? Google or ????? Drive-by downloads can happen–but usually they are thought to occur when you *visit* a website that has *bad* stuff programed into the website software–maybe it’s a bad website, or maybe the site has been compromised by some outside source of bad guys. You don’t have to click on anything–just something happens in the background without you knowing it.

But, if it were happening on a search engine search, such a Google, then Google’s web software would have to be compromised. Everyone who uses Google would be having the same issues you are. And, I think Google would be on that problem sooner than *immediately* to fix it! And, I don’t think *everyone* is experiencing the same problem that you are.

If it is *malware*, it’s possible that it is serving up the popups primarily when you are searching–who knows? Keep an eye on it for now, and see if it also still occurs when you go to a specific website after searching. Do the popups occur when you’re on AskWoody here?

walker wrote:

I’ve seen that some websites do not want “ad-blockers”
too.

I think that is absolutely correct. But, I also think that is very short sighted and narrow minded of those website operators:

1. I have been using ad blocking software for about 3-4 years now. Personally I have only come across, as best I can remember, 3-4 websites that actually say they will not let me access their site unless I disable the ad blocking. Fair enough–but, if their website had some interesting or important information that I found useful, and thought I should share with others–maybe my linking to their website would bring them more business, and maybe those other visitors might not have ad blocking software …… well, do the math and consider who looses on this equation–not me–there are surely enough other resources out there that will help me find what I need.

2. There are more websites that don’t block access to their material, just use a *popup ad* asking that I disable ad blocking because ads are what help pay the bills. Again, fair enough–but, these website operators are not doing anything to look out for my internet well being–these operators are not insisting that their ad serving operators (be it DoubleClick, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, etc., etc., etc.) will not track my visits to their website, and the next website, and the next website, and put two and two together, and probably know more about me than the national government–who needs to be the NSA?!

The whole goal of online advertising companies is to deliver *targeted ads*–(meaning they know more about me than I do!)–I don’t want *targeted ads*. Feed me random ads and promise that you are not going to track me–then I’ll consider dropping my attempt to reduce the amount of tracking that these folks want to do. Why should they get to make up all the *rules*?

I’ll get off my soap box now!

walker wrote:

I would love to be computer literate enough to have the ability to “hunt them down”!!!

Well, not to just *hunt them down*, I hope to help you *take them out* as well!

Let me know when you’re ready to *do some hunting*!) 😉

NightOwl

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walker

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@NightOwl:  I think the problem is solved.    I have added a FF browser “add-on”, which blocks tracking attempts, and I think that this has “saved the day” as I’ve not had anymore of those crazy FAKE updates.

I don’t know if Mozilla took some steps to further protect its users, or I “just got lucky”, however I’ve had no more intrusions which appear to be “drive-by browser hi-jackings“.   I’ve always been very careful when doing searches.    I have no other explanation for this “reprieve from %&*$.    I am keeping your message so that if this begins again, I will be able to contact you.     Your offer of assistance is most sincerely appreciated, NightOwl!   Thank you very much!       🙂    🙂

 

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@walker, I have a question for you: Exactly what is the name of the add-on you installed that has so far been preventing those very annoying pop-ups?

I ask this because there are some very sketchy and disreputable add-ons out there for Firefox that make incredible claims to solve just a single, particular problem. I just want to make sure you haven’t mistakenly fallen for one of them, as some of their presentations can be very slick. If you’ve installed one of the blockers that’s been recommended to you by one of the MVP’s here on Askwoody, then you’re indeed all set.

Firefox already has a built-in anti-tracking mechanism, which has also blocked quite a few obnoxious ads as part of its functionality. This anti-tracking feature has worked very well for me, so I haven’t had the need to install an add-on to block known trackers. Because of using this built-in functionality, I’ve never had the misfortune of having your experience if pop-ups claiming to need to install an update which would in reality install (crap)ware of some kind.

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@Bob99 & NightOwl:  Well, when I found that I had this “blocking” ability, I thought that it had to have been a change I made in the “options” in Firefox.   I can’t verify that at this moment, however I did locate a Firefox reference that could possibly be “the one”.   I do know that suddenly I now have a “shield” such as the one described in the Firefox link.

Here is the link I am referring to:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/tracking-protection

I cannot “verify” which options I worked with, however, I was so elated that I didn’t stop to question which “options” I may have been working with, however it does look familiar.

My apologies for overlooking this important fact.   I knew I had not added an “add-on”, and this article does reference “options“.     I hope this will provide what is necessary to produce the “blocking” feature.   I have  not had anymore “FAKE updates” I do know that..

🙂  🙂

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Bob99

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@Bob99 & Night Owl:

I misspoke when I mentioned an “add-on” in my first message, and don’t know if I can edit that one or not.   It was NOT an add-on.   I can’t edit that message (that was message #147415), however I do know that it was NOT an add-on.

I re-read the text of that link again, and I’m sure I utilized the “options” menu, because I seldom get into anything I know nothing about, and that is the reason I feel confident that it was the “options” method I utilized, however did not make a note of it.   Once again, I wish I could be of more assistance with this.    🙁

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Bob99

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@walker: From your description, you did indeed use the Options menu to effect the changes in your browser to enable its built-in ad and tracking blocking mechanism. That’s great!

There are a couple of ways to tweak it even further to really clamp down on the vast majority of ALL ads, but that also “breaks” the functionality of some very above-board sites that most of us tend to use on a fairly frequent basis, so I won’t attempt to describe it here.

If you have a sudden reappearance of the annoying pop-ups advertising browser updates or anything else you “suddenly” and “urgently” need, please feel free to post such occurrence(s) on this site and we’ll be happy to help you through it!

For now, I see NO need to change what you’ve been able to do with the help of the Firefox support page you’ve referenced. Just make sure that the setting for Tracking Protection within the Privacy & Security area of Firefox’s Options menu is set to Always and you should have no more real problems with those obnoxious pop-ups.

If you have ANY problems with a web site you regularly visit not displaying properly, just drop a line here and either one of the MVP’s or I will help you out!

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@ Bob99

Bob99 wrote:

@walker, I have a question for you: Exactly what is the name of the add-on you installed that has so far been preventing those very annoying pop-ups?

Exactly the same question I was going to ask–thank you!

NightOwl

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You’re very welcome! 🙂 I see it got us both an answer we were looking forward to.

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walker

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@Bob99  & @NightOwl:

I appreciated both of your messages.   You are far more experienced than I am, and I like to think that I am always “in a learning curve”, and therefore I looked forward to the messages you both sent.   Knowing there are members out there who have the knowledge and expertise which I lack is very reassuring.

I really liked your comment NightOwl:

Well, not to just *hunt them down*, I hope to help you *take them out* as well!

Yes, I agree that Firefox had the wherewith all to provide those instructions for what appears to be a reliable “fix”, and hope that it remains that way.   If not, I’ll be sending ya’ll a message letting you know.    Thank you both again very, very much!!   🙂  🙂

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@Walker

walker wrote:

I really liked your comment NightOwl:

Well, not to just *hunt them down*, I hope to help you *take them out* as well!

That offer still stands! I think there are several things you could still do to make sure you are *malware free*, and there are a few things you could do to make your system safer (more *hardened*) against malware.

So, if and when you’re ready, let me know.

Computer software is ever evolving, and more and more complex! The Firefox anti-tracking setting was new information for me! Because I already have ad-blocking ad-on software for Firefox, I never went looking for other alternatives–but, good to know!

Thank you @ walker and @ Bob99 for the new insight. That’s what’s so good about AskWoody’s website–bang around the walls long enough and you will come across new tidbits here and there!

@ walker–I have some additional information that I want to post about this subject–but have to work today, and will not have time until later–but stay tuned ….

NightOwl

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walker

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@NightOwl:   Thank you for keeping that “offer” open.   I  don’t have the time presently to focus on expanding the protection against malware, however I hope that everything will become smoother once Christmas is over, and we are in a new “year”.    Hopefully it will not be a “New Nightmare Era” as we’ve been through enough  @YIT  with everything that has transpired.   It’s almost unbelievable what has occurred during the past 2 years.

I think most of us can recall when updating was a pleasure, however those memories are becoming “dimmer and dimmer”.   Thank you and Bob99 for your input and interest in “taking out those KPO&^%$ ‘s that have nothing better to do than to attempt to destroy those of us who love our computers and work so diligently to keep them “clean, safe, and running well”.

Kudos to you both, and thank you once again!!!   🙂  🙂

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@walker

walker wrote:

I cannot “verify” which options I worked with, however, I was so elated that I didn’t stop to question which “options” I may have been working with, however it does look familiar.

So, it seems you are unsure of what steps you used to change how Firefox handles certain popups and tracking ads. I’m curious–how did you find an outline of the steps to take to change your Firefox settings, and what made you willing to make those changes? In other topics (and actually in this one, too), you have been hesitant to follow recommendations for changing or exploring what problems you might be having with your computer.

Here are some screenshots outlining how to view and change Firefox’s settings on tracking (these screenshots may not match your current version of Firefox–I think I saw a comment by you that you have been updated to v57.xxx–my screen shots here are a couple versions before that–I will try to get screenshots of that newer version–you access the settings with different menu options (preferences) on the newer version:

To access the *No Tracking* settings, you start by clicking on the 3 parallel lines in the upper right corner (the *Menu* icon button), and then in the popup menu, you select the *Options* icon button.

That opens up a new Tab in Firefox and is on the *General* options page. You now need to select the *Privacy* menu option on the left side menu.

That takes you to the *Privacy* options page, and at the top there will be a category *Tracking*, and the box below that category title will, by default (unless you have made any changes) have a check in the box. That item is in reference to *Private Window* browsing. It does not refer to your *regular* browsing. In order to change the setting for your *regular* browsing, you need to click on the link below that first item–*…manage your Do Not Track settings..

That will open a new popup menu item that says *Do Not Track*. Unless you have made changes, the box next to the *Always Do Not Track*, by default, will not be checked yet. In order to have the *Do Not Track* applied to your *regular* browsing, you have to add a check mark by clicking on the box which adds a check mark, and then clicking the *Ok* box to close that menu item.

So, I have reached the maximum of 4 attachments, and I will continue this on the next Reply….

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walker

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@NightOwl:   I have had Firefox almost from its very first day, so I am very familiar with most (if not all) of its properties.    I made some notes about what I have checked, not checked, etc. however thought it might be best to do some screenshots to illustrate which is a good idea.

I’ve NEVER used “Private Browsing”.   There are other options which I felt were better.

Yes, you are correct, I do not pursue “anything” (irrespective of what it is), if I am not totally familiar with unless directed to by one of our MVP’s when attempting to solve a problem.   I will try to get as many screenshots as possible on the message.   To get to the “Options” one may either click on the “Tools” in the taskbar at the top of the menu, OR click on the THREE bars on the right side of the page, and then click on options from there which takes more effort.

Also before I forget, to get the “shield” to show on your upper task bar when visiting a website, you may need to “refresh” to get it to show.

I’ve spent a ton of time trying to get screenshots, as I have the Options set forth.   I don’t know how many I can get on this message, however I will start a new message to finish, and hope that I haven’t overlooked anything.     Hope this will help somewhat, NightOwl.   🙂

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@walker

So, to continue the settings for *Do Not Track* in Firefox…

Back at the *Privacy* option page–over on the right hand side there is a *Change Block List* button.

If you click on that button, you will now open a new selection box titled *Block Lists*. Here, you can select either *basic protection*, which is selected by default, or you can select a more *strict protection*. Firefox does not show actual selection *boxes* for these options–one just clicks on the space in front of the option to make the check mark change from one option to the other.

To be honest, I don’t know which item would be best. I use AdBlock Plus, and I’m pretty sure it is using a very *strict* protection list. Firefox says the *basic protection* *Allows some trackers …*. I really don’t know which trackers Firefox thinks are okay! Personally, I think they are all *bad*–so I, for myself, would select the *strict protection*! Everyone has to make their own choice on this–depending on their feelings about being tracked!

Again, the above screenshots may not match your current version of Firefox. The settings are still present in the new version, but under slightly altered headings and locations. I will try to get those newer version screenshots when I can.

You can easily explore these settings to see which ones are *set*. You don’t have to make any changes if you don’t want to–clicking on the settings will not change them unless you make actual changes by checking various boxes or items–you can just *look* to see what the setting are.

NightOwl

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walker

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OMG!   All of the last 4 screenshots were wiped out by one of those “NO CONNECTION” popups.   I’ll give it one more try now, and hope for the best.   Otherwise will have to try later  – – – – my entire morning is “gone”.     🙁

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@NightOwl:  Got them through this last time, however I do not feel that the “options” have any relevancy to the “shield” protection that came from Mozilla, as I used those directions to the best of my ability and that’s when the shield appeared.   It is still prudent to ensure that this shield is “there”, which I try to do by “refreshing” the browser if necessary.   Good luck with this one, NightOwl.

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@walker

Looking at your screenshots, I’m sure you must be on Firefox version 57.xx. Again, my screenshots were from Firefox version 56.xx. My exposure to Firefox v57.xx is on a Apple Mac system that’s at work–so I’m not sure if all the menus and responses on that Mac are the same as what is seen on a Win7 system–I’m having to remember things–don’t have direct access from home. (I have chosen not to update to Firefox v57.xx as yet–just like Windows Update, I don’t want to be a *beta tester* for the most recent Firefox!)

walker wrote:

I do know that suddenly I now have a “shield” such as the one described in the Firefox link.

Here is the link I am referring to:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/tracking-protection

Interesting. That linked webpage says it tells you how to Enable *Do Not Track*–but actually it does not! It says:

How to turn Tracking Protection on

Tracking Protection is enabled by default when you’re in a Private Browsing window. You may choose to disable Tracking Protection for a particular site or for all sites.

That statement is true–but, it does not tell you how to enable *Do Not Track* for your regular browsing!

Here’s an interesting webpage I stumbled on:

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/dnt/

It tells you in the upper right hand corner what your *Do Not Track* status is–either *On* or *Off*.

Here’s a webpage that *actually* tells you how to Enable *Do Not Tract* for your regular browsing:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-turn-do-not-track-feature
Note, it says:

The Do Not Track feature is turned off by default except in Private Browsing, where it is always on by default. To always use Do Not Track:

See the rest of the webpage for the answer.

So, on my system, if I uncheck the box like this:

And then click *OK* and then close the *Options* tab, and then Refresh this webpage:

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/dnt/

The result will be this:

If I then go back and re-check that box:

Again, I click *OK*, close the *Options* tab, and again go to this website and refresh the site:

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/dnt/

I get this:

I will show you how to check the same thing on your system based on the screenshots you have provided–but, it will have to wait for awhile–have some other chores to attend to this afternoon …

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@NightOwl:    I just noticed as I was scrolling up, the following question you had in one of  your messages:

“Did you make changes to the Firefox *Do Not Track* settings before or after the upgrade to v57.xx?”

As I recall, I’ve always had it set to “Do Not Track” however I think that in version 57 there has been more information added which is an assurance that you have the “option ” to use ALWAYS to the question about tracking.   I’ve found that I do like the version 57, and the “shield” is one of the reasons.      Thank you again for your message.   🙂

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Hi @walker!

The “shield” that deals with full time, non private browsing mode, tracking protection has been available since, I believe, Firefox 52. HOWEVER, it’s only been enforceable through a couple of “geeky” tweaks in the browser’s configuration editor, which is not a place for the faint of heart. I’ve had it enabled since then (Firefox 52), so I haven’t noticed any changes. I believe that either Firefox 56 or 57 was supposed to be the version where they made it a “mainstream” feature to be enabled by the masses, so that’s when you may have noticed it.

Either way, it’s a great feature, helping folks have a much more enjoyable browsing experience!!

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walker

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Hi, Bob99:    Yes, I knew there was a change with the Version 57, when I noted that it had the Option to click on ALWAYS.   LOL!   You are correct, I did not notice it until Version 57 and I think it is a vast improvement.

The “Shield Icon” did not appear until I got Version 57 either, and I think that too was another positive advancement!     Presently I have no issues with this new version of Firefox.   Hope all of the Firefox updates go as well as this last one!    🙂

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@NightOwl:   My apologies for not having the opportunity to read your message until now, and there will be a lot of reviewing before I can reply to some of the questions.   “YES” I am using the FF 57.0, and those screenshots are from what mine shows.    I don’t recall doing anything “difficult” or sophisticated to get that “shield” in there.

Here may be a few differences in using the version 57.0.   I don’t know.   I use quite a few of the options which are available.  I NEVER use Private Browsing.

I clear the browser, selectively upon closing, so there is nothing there that anyone else can use.

I sometimes use the Duck Duck Go, as it never keeps history.   Use Google for other searches as well.

Tracking protection is checked as “ALWAYS” as well as the “signal “Do Not Track”.

Block pop-up windows are blocked & also “warn when websites try to install add-ons”.

All of the “Tracking Protection” is separate.

All “Under Security”, is blocked (Deceptive content, etc.).

I actually feel that I changed very little on the new version, however it’s too difficult to remember.   I’ll try to check back later and read your message more thoroughly.  Thank you for sending it all.    🙂

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@walker: From your post #148047, the image titled “Part-4-FF-Options.jpg” shows exactly what NightOwl and I were looking for. Your “Do Not Track” settings are exactly what they should be, you don’t need to do anything more and you definitely don’t need an ad blocking add-on. At least not yet!

However, if one or two sites don’t display correctly, or as you’re used to seeing them, then just maybe we might need to make a very small change to what is seen on that part of the screen in the aforementioned image. But only if one or two sites you normally frequent suddenly don’t look right to you.

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend as you’re reading this.

1 user thanked author for this post.

walker

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@Bob99:

Yes, that’s what I thought as well.   This was such a simpler  way to stop the    ^*H%*& tracking that “even I could do it without messing anything up”  (LOL!).  I really like having that “shield” appearing in the tool/task bar as I know there is a good degree of successfully stopping unwanted tracking.

Thank you for your concurrence with my approach to the “Do Not Track” issue.  If I can avoid having an add-on I do it.   Yes, enjoying the weekend, and trying to get caught up on my emails.    Hope you’re having a good weekend without any “winter weather” as it appears to be moving into the country.     🙂   🙂

 

 

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@walker

Bob99 wrote:

Your “Do Not Track” settings are exactly what they should be, you don’t need to do anything more …

I agree with @Bob99. Based on what you have said here:

walker wrote:

I think the problem is solved. I have added a FF browser “add-on”, which blocks tracking attempts, and I think that this has “saved the day” as I’ve not had anymore of those crazy FAKE updates.

apparently you have solved the issue you were having that prompted you to start this topic–and really, in this case, that’s all you wanted to do. For the record, your statement above saying you *added a FF browser “add-on”* was not exactly correct–now it appears that you may have made changes to the *Preferences* (or *Options*) that are built-in to Firefox regarding *Do Not Track*. But, by your own admission, you did not keep track of what changes you might have made, and you are not quite sure how the *shield* icon showed up on the address bar of the browser. I will try to address that question in a separate post–but first here’s another couple of questions:

Do you recall when your Firefox was upgraded to v57.xx?

Did the *shield* icon show up before or after the upgrade to v57.xx?

Did you make changes to the Firefox *Do Not Track* settings before or after the upgrade to v57.xx?

You may or may not recall the answer to any of these questions–but if you do, it would help my future replies.

Having reviewed the screenshots of your settings, I’ve noticed a couple of areas that you might want to make some changes to:

1. In other topics, I’ve seen you complain that you are constantly logged out of AskWoody after you close your Firefox browser even though you have checked the *Remember Me* during your log-in–are you interested in changing that behavior?

2. Again, in other topics, you have mentioned unstable browsing–maybe poor performance–are you interested in seeing if you can change that behavior?

Let me know!

In the mean time, I’m going to be posting a couple more replies here to help others to better understand what they may or may not be seeing on their systems regarding the *Do Not Track* settings. You can ignore them, or follow along to see if it helps you understand better your computer software and how it’s set up.

NightOwl

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walker, woody

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@NightOwl:   I have looked at quite a lot of your messages, and there are several references which I see that I have already addressed in my other messages.    I do not have the date I upgraded to Version 57, however it has not been long ago.

I did not have the “shield” until I went through the changes I made in the Version 57, and then it suddenly appeared, and it is NOT an add-on.  I misspoke about that, and it was NOT an add-on.  I think I also mentioned that previously.

I’ve used the “Do Not Track” function for such a long time I can’t recall.  I don’t like add-ons, so I utilized other options that were available instead.

Presently I don’t have any problems with FF at all, and have not had anymore incidences of the FAKE Firefox Update appearing, so apparently the steps I took were effective.  I wish I had more information, however it’s been a while already, and I do know for CERTAIN…. I’ve never used “Private Browsing”.  I apologize that I don’t have more information which may of assistance.   I think I’ve tried to reference everything you’ve referred to, and some of the information is in earlier messages.

I have not used the “Remember me” option in the sign-in area for quite some time.  At the present time it seems to be working just fine, however I’ve found that it ALWAYS says “you are already logged in” on the “Log In” page.   I open another tab, after I log in, and then click on the link to get me to the Lounge Forum, and proceed from there.  Thus far I’ve not had to use the F5 to change the “Log in” problem.

Thank you for  continuing to post replies, comments, and recommendations here.   That is very much appreciated.    🙂

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@Bob99

Bob99 wrote:

The “shield” that deals with full time, non private browsing mode, tracking protection has been available since, I believe, Firefox 52. HOWEVER, it’s only been enforceable through a couple of “geeky” tweaks in the browser’s configuration editor, which is not a place for the faint of heart. I’ve had it enabled since then (Firefox 52), so I haven’t noticed any changes.

So, you have had the *shield* showing on your regular browsing as well as *Private Window* browsing by making a, or several changes to the *about:config* file?

Do you have any references (links) to those change(s)–I’d like to explore those. I am using Firefox v52.xx on an older system!

NightOwl

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walker

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@walker

walker wrote:

I think I’ve tried to reference everything you’ve referred to, and some of the information is in earlier messages.

In my post above:

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/when-are-the-security-programs-going-to-stop-the-fake-malware-ff-updates/#post-149278

I was trying to *summarize* where we were as of that point when I posted. I did not mean to confuse any issues or indicate that you had not already responded to many of the other issues already. I only added a couple questions–and you have answered those already as well–thank you. I will post some new screenshots and information shortly …

NightOwl

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walker

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@NightOwl:  I tried all day yesterday to get in here and apparently the site was “down” because nothing would connect me, and I wasn’t getting any emails until just now.   I’m too far behind now to start anything else today, and don’t know how long it will be before I can get back.

Trying to find Christmas cards, and addresses now, and that is going to be a “huge” job since I’m still unpacking things.  Will try to get back here once again when it is possible.  Hope you and Bob99 will find more information to discuss in the interim.   Good luck to us all!   🙂

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@walker

So, before I continue, I need to *clean up* some statements I’ve made previously in this topic:

Just Lurking wrote:

I think I saw a comment by you that you have been updated to v57.xxx–my screen shots here are a couple versions before that

To be exact, it is from Firefox v52.xx. So, the screenshots in this additional posting are also from v52.xx:

Just Lurking wrote:

So, to continue the settings for *Do Not Track* in Firefox…

(I multiboot on my system, and I have older OSs that I can boot to–these screenshots came from an older OS.)

I then confused the issue further here:

Just Lurking wrote:

I’m sure you must be on Firefox version 57.xx. Again, my screenshots were from Firefox version 56.xx.

That statement is flat out wrong. As stated above, the Firefox version for those screenshots are from v52.xx. I was flipping back and forth between several OS’s and did not keep track from where I had actually taken those screenshots.

So anyone who is comparing their Preference or Options pages on their version of Firefox to my screen shots–now you know why they might not match up correctly!

In my next post, I’m going to clean up my misunderstanding of the settings for *Do Not Track*, and *Tracking Protection* that are found in Firefox. As I stated previously:

Just Lurking wrote:

The Firefox anti-tracking setting was new information for me! Because I already have ad-blocking ad-on software for Firefox, I never went looking for other alternatives

It took me awhile, but I think I now know the differences, and what the choices mean in the *Options* section of Firefox.

Stay tuned …

NightOwl

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