Firefox is a popular web browser created by a global non-for-profit organization. It boasts excellent controls against viruses and has proved popular for its security features, anti-tracking functionality, and its speed. However, as with all web browsers, it requires frequent updates to remain 100% virus-free.
Updates must be installed promptly to keep the browser secure. Users are alerted to these new updates as and when they are released, and installing them is a quick and simple process.
These updates are announced via the browser. Users of Firefox are not emailed reminders to update their browser to the latest version. That said, a number of emails have recently been received by users of Firefox alerting them to the urgent need to download the latest version of the browser. These emails are part of a fake Firefox update scam.
Fake Firefox Update Scam Discovered
If you receive an email telling you to update your Firefox version “for security reasons” you will not be alone. Many other users have received similar emails. These are not genuine. They are part of a new email spam campaign that attempts to fool recipients that their browser is out of date and an update is essential.
To make it as easy as possible to install the necessary security protections, a handy link is included in the email. This will take the user to the Firefox website where they can download the latest version of the web browser. However, be warned. The link is fake, and by clicking the link and attempting to improve security, all you will be doing is downloading a Trojan to your device. That Trojan will be used to steal your passwords.
This is a common tactic used by email spammers. Emails are sent which contain important information on security updates to fool the unwary into downloading malicious software. The emails play on data security fears and warn of repercussions for not taking the requested action. Many email recipients are fooled into clicking links or opening infected attachments as a result.
SpamTitan regularly issues warnings about the latest spam campaigns, fake emails and new malware as they are discovered. Internet users are instructed to take precautions to protect themselves against these attacks.
Fortunately, there are some very easy steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of attack via email. Receiving a spam or phishing email will not compromise your system (generally speaking) unless an action is taken, such as opening an email attachment or clicking on a link supplied in the email. Consequently, protecting yourself from attack can be quite straightforward.
SpamTitan Financial Preservation Tips
Don’t give hackers the data they need to empty your bank accounts and max out your credit cards. Follow the simple instructions below and you can protect your hard earned cash.
- Do not open any suspicious attachments sent to you by email and do not download them to your computer. You must be sure of the genuineness of an attachment before you open it
- Do not click on links to websites that you do not know
- Check all links before clicking as they may have been faked. Hover your mouse arrow over the link and you will find out where that link will direct you. If you are unsure, never click
- Check the ‘From’ field. The name may be familiar, but the email address from which the email has been sent may not be. Do not take any chances. The ‘From’ field can easily be faked
- If you have not requested a new password, never click on a link that asks you to reset it
- Never divulge sensitive information in an email, even if requested to do so. IT departments and legitimate web service providers will never ask for your login details and passwords to be sent by email
- Always keep your anti-virus and anti-malware definitions up to date. They are released on a daily basis and sometimes every few hours. Set your software to download these automatically
- Install a spam filter to prevent spam and phishing emails from being delivered to your inbox