If the site is found on that list, Firefox blocks the file immediately, otherwise it asks Google’s Safe Browsing service if the software is safe by sending it some of the download’s metadata.
When you download an application file, Firefox checks the site hosting it against a list of sites known to contain "malware". These lists are automatically downloaded and updated every 30 minutes or so when the Phishing and Malware Protection features are enabled.
Phishing and Malware Protection works by checking the sites that you visit against lists of reported phishing, unwanted software and malware sites. How does Phishing and Malware Protection work in Firefox? You can learn more about such software on the Google Unwanted Software Policy. Unwanted software sites are websites that try to trick you into installing programs that harm your browsing experience (for example, by changing your homepage or showing extra ads on sites you visit). Malware is most often used to steal personal information, send junk email (spam), or spread more malware. Malware (short for "Malicious software") is software designed to infect your computer without your knowledge. Sometimes even the website’s owner doesn’t realize that the site has become an attack site. These attacks can be very difficult to detect even a site that looks safe may be secretly trying to attack you. To report a deceptive website you are currently visiting, click the Firefox menu button, click Help and select Report deceptive site… from the Help menu.Īttack sites are websites that try to infect your computer with malware when you visit. More information on phishing can be found at the Anti-Phishing Working Group, and there are a number of examples and resources available at Wikipedia's Phishing page. Phishing attacks usually come from email messages that attempt to lure the recipient into updating their personal information on fake but very real-looking websites. This is a form of identity theft that occurs when a malicious website impersonates a legitimate one in order to trick you into giving up sensitive information such as passwords, account details, or credit card numbers. What are deceptive/phishing sites, attack sites, malware and unwanted software? Deceptive site (also known as "phishing") 3 I’ve confirmed that my site is safe, how do I get it removed from the lists?.2.2 What information is sent to Mozilla or its partners when Phishing and Malware Protection is enabled?.2.1.1 What happens when a page or file is blocked?.2.1 How do I use the Phishing and Malware Protection features?.2 How does Phishing and Malware Protection work in Firefox?.1.1 Deceptive site (also known as "phishing").1 What are deceptive/phishing sites, attack sites, malware and unwanted software?.