Beware of Fake Update Page (Firefox)

[paularoid]

Beware of Fake Update Page (http://ffextensionguru.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/beware-of-fake-update-page/)
http://ffextensionguru.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/beware-of-fake-update-page/
from Firefox Extension Guru's Blog by El Guru

Recently there has been a fake Firefox update page (see below) has been floating around the web. This page not only tells the user they are running an out-dated version of Firefox, but that they need to update Adobe Flash Player as well. There is a link to “update” Adobe Flash Player but this is actually a malicious link:


The download starts automatically. Save and run it and you get a rogue antivirus product named “SecurityTool” which starts finding threats which aren’t there and demanding payment in order to remove them.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/ffextensionguru/fake-ffupdate-thumb-450x361-13880.png

With the recent increase in Firefox updates (especially for Firefox 3.6) it is easy for users to get mislead into thinking there is a new update. Some tips to protect yourself against fake update notices:


* Update notifications are normally delivered via a pop-up window not a web page
* Use the Check For Updates… feature under the Help Menu if you are unsure about an ‘update notice’. If there is an update available you will get the pop-up window as described above.
* Mozilla has an official site where you can check to make sure your plugins (such as Flash Player) are up to date: www.mozilla.com/plugincheck The browser normally does not alert you to out-dated plugins.
* Current release information is posted on the main site (ffextensionguru.com) and is usually update within a few hours of the new releases. We always post a blog entry for any new releases (including the current developmental version). Also we publish a weekly Release Recap every Saturday morning.

Thanks to Gareon for posting this alert at Go Firefox! (http://ffextensionguru.com/gofirefox.html)

Source: PC Magazine (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367084,00.asp)

[Eva]

I think I fell for that one. However, I believe it didn't catch on on my MacBook. Can that be?

Eva

[DaveM]

Firefox has been running horribly on my machine since the past two updates. It crashes the first time I start it in the morning, does not completely shut down when shut down, etc. Just to make sure I had it right I downloaded the latest version direct from Mozilla, but the results are no different. Has anyone else had any trouble?

[Mary6906]

I'm running Firefox 3.6.8, no problems.

[Sara]

The download starts automatically. Save and run it and you get a rogue antivirus product named “SecurityTool” which starts finding threats which aren’t there and demanding payment in order to remove them.
Ah, I see - EXTORTION-WARE!

[DaveM]

I actually think it's the most recent update from Yahoo Update that is slowing everything down. Have tried reinstalling it with no luck. Firefox still crashes now and then but the major problem has been that it takes nearly half an hour for my computer to come up and display an active browser. I have run every virus scan I can think of, used all the optimization tools at my disposal, and nothing seems to help. Perhaps I just need to consign Yahoo to the recycle bin.

[Eva]

I have no problems with Firefox.

Eva

[coffeegyrl]

I have no problems with Firefox.

Eva

Probably because you use a Mac :D

[sharoney]

dave.........
i am crashing all the time too.....guess i fell for it. unbelievable.....

i will try to figure this out and let u know if there is any good news.
sharon

[paularoid]

I actually think it's the most recent update from Yahoo Update that is slowing everything down. Have tried reinstalling it with no luck. Firefox still crashes now and then but the major problem has been that it takes nearly half an hour for my computer to come up and display an active browser. I have run every virus scan I can think of, used all the optimization tools at my disposal, and nothing seems to help. Perhaps I just need to consign Yahoo to the recycle bin.
Dave it you're using any of the Yahell toolbars or other accessories then that's probably where the problem lies. I used to use Yahell almost exclusively for everything until they started getting to big for their britches so to speak. I got rid of the Yahell toolbar and a LOT of things improved. I dumped their instant messenger and a lot of other things cleared up. I've still got a Yahell account but I only use it for storage . . . . . mainly because I haven't gotten around to moving everything out of there yet. Yahell -used- to be a good hub from which to work but they've gotten to the point where they don't listen or respond to their users . . . . . unless the users are paying users of course.

If you want to dump Yahell altogether the link is (last I checked):

https://edit.yahoo.com/config/delete_user

I imagine that you have to be signed in first to make use of it.

[DaveM]

I don't use their toolbar--just have the Instant Messenger and I only use it on occasion to field questions from customers or to conduct informal interviews. Really thinking about just removing IM....I did change the setting so it no longer comes up automatically on booting the computer so will see if that makes a difference.

[sharoney]

i did a system restore and all is fine again fyi

[paularoid]

I don't use their toolbar--just have the Instant Messenger and I only use it on occasion to field questions from customers or to conduct informal interviews. Really thinking about just removing IM....I did change the setting so it no longer comes up automatically on booting the computer so will see if that makes a difference.
You might try a more universal IM proggy like Miranda or the like. I've never used it (Miranda) but I've heard(read) good things about it. It's available here:
http://www.miranda-im.org/
One review of it from FreewareFiles.com says:

This is the best multi IM out there! It is very low on ressources, so it's very fast. It also looks very good and has great functions. You can also extend it to your needs via plugins that are available from their website. And the best is: It's free and open source!!!
While another says:

Every MSN capable instant messaging program I've tried up until now uses so much memory that it's pitiful. In that case, it makes any computer that's running it with a low RAM amount so slow when doing other tasks that it's completely impossible to have your IM sitting in the tray while other tasks are being done. That has not been the case with Miranda. This is what I've been looking for. It only uses about 5MB of RAM when it's sitting in the tray, where other programs use 40, even 50MB in the tray! Miranda is the best! Thank You!
The rest of the user reviews can be seen here:
http://www.freewarefiles.com/review_5_57_13621.html

I used to use Yahell Messenger ages ago but that was before I switched over to cable with a router. I'm not interested in engaging in any port forwarding if I can get away with it so that's the main reason I dropped out of using IM progs.

[DaveM]

Apparently at least part of the problem lies with AVG's browser plug-in, which has compatibility issues with the configuration of newer versions of Firefox (it doesn't like the "plug-in container" setup).

I also deleted AdAware, since it is not really necessary with all of the other security software I have. That took care of 90% of the trouble I've been having.