Microsoft`s Sneaky Firefox Add-On Installation
(Page 1 of 4 )
Sometimes, even a routine update can go haywire. That's what happened with a recent Microsoft Windows update: it installed an extra add-on to computers that use FireFox. What happened next? Keep reading to find out.
We’ve all done it before: visited a shady, unsecured site, downloaded something we weren’t supposed to, accidentally downloaded something we didn’t want, and what usually results from these mishaps? Our computers go haywire because something was downloaded that shouldn’t have been and it’s usually occurred sneakily and without our permission, causing pop-ups, making the computer freeze up or unexpectedly shut down. The amount of frustration that is caused by these sneaky, unforeseen downloads is immeasurable.
A majority of us feel at ease when visiting secure, trusted sites that have proven themselves to be reliable. These websites where downloads can be accessed worry-free are becoming increasingly rare online, which is why many of us depend on them so greatly. That being said, what happens when even the most trusted of sites installs something on our computer without our permission that causes us major problems?
Microsoft Updates Firefox Extension
This is exactly what’s happened for an untold number of users who utilize Mozilla’s Firefox web browser. Surprisingly -- and disappointingly -- the source of this problem has been found to be an otherwise routine security update for a Microsoft Windows component, which is reported to be installed on millions of computers. This update quietly installed an extra add-on without the permission users, but only to computers that use Firefox.
So, what’s the big deal? Well, aside from making Microsoft - one of the most trusted IT companiesin the world -- a little less reliable in the eyes of consumers (aside from Mac users, who already don't like Microsoft!), this add-on has recently been found to be both difficult and dangerous to remove.
Next: The Story >>
More BrainDump Articles
More By Joe Eitel
