Firefox Requires A Manual Update Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Firefox Requires A Manual Update?
"Firefox Requires A Manual Update" is a scam model used to proliferate adware. There are dozens of malicious websites displaying this message. These identical sites appear legitimate, but are used to trick users into believing that their browsers need to be updated.
In fact, rather than downloading "updates", users might inadvertently download and install adware-type applications/add-ons. Research also shows that they can be redirected to these websites by other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.
There are many rogue extensions distributed using "Firefox Requires A Manual Update". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to): FF AntiVirus Save, FF Defender Guard, Video Preview, Auto Refresh Plus, Adobe Updater, FF Safe Checker, Web Picture Gallery, Firefox Defender, Video Control, Image Previewer, FF AntiVir Monitoring, YT Adblocker, Mobile View, Time Tracking, Dictionary, Color Filter, Page Marker and FF Web Surety.
These adware-type extensions generate intrusive advertisements and collect sensitive information. Coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive ads are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
The rogue extensions distributed through this scam pop-up are known to have the following functionality: checking for default router passwords, sql injection, geo-location tracking, image tracking, port scanning, key logging. Note that the pop-up itself is mining cryptocurrencies in the background of the victim's computer.
Therefore, they often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, these advertisements often lead to malicious websites and run scripts that download/install malware (or other PUPs). Thus, even accidental clicks might result in high-risk computer infections.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted adware-type programs are also designed to collect various data types such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, geo-locations, and so on. Collected information is likely to contain private details that PUP developers sell to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. If you have visited websites that display the "Firefox Requires A Manual Update" error and continually encounter suspicious ads, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
| Name | "Firefox Requires A Manual Update" virus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
The Internet is full of adware-type applications, all of which are virtually identical. These programs typically offer various 'useful features' (e.g., file conversion, download performance increase, system optimization, and so on), however, only a small percentage provide the functionality promised - most are useless for regular users.
Potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than (or, in some cases, together with) enabling the features promised, adware poses a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did adware install on my computer?
"Firefox Requires A Manual Update" is a rather unusual method used to proliferate adware. In most cases, these applications are distributed using the aforementioned intrusive ads and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, due to the careless behavior and lack of knowledge of many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission.
"Bundling" is stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular software/apps. Developers hide PUPs within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Many users rush download/installation processes and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
As mentioned above, "Firefox Requires A Manual Update" is a fake error. If you encounter it, never agree to download "updates". If you are not sure whether your browser is up-to-date, go to settings (typically Help->About) and check for available updates. Never use third party websites or tools to update web browsers.
Browsers have an implemented update feature and using this is advisable. There are other steps you should take to prevent system infiltration by PUPs. Firstly, select "Custom/Advanced" download/installation settings, closely analyze each step, and decline all additionally-included programs.
Criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design and, thus, most look legitimate, however, they redirect to gambling, pornography, adult dating, survey, and other dubious websites.
If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount. The key to computer safety is caution.
Rogue sites displaying the "Firefox Requires A Manual Update" error in full screen:
The appearance of "Firefox Requires a manual update" scam pop-up:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Firefox Requires A Manual Update?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any potentially unwanted programs, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Firefox Requires A Manual Update redirects, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "firefox requires a manual update" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "firefox requires a manual update" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins (for example, "Mobile View").
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "firefox requires a manual update" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "firefox requires a manual update" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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