Firefox-patch.js – a fake Firefox update file that might bring malware to the computer
Firefox-patch.js is a dangerous file that pretends to be a legitimate browser update. This fake “Urgent Firefox update” might spread various potentially unwanted programs or malware. Hence, installing and running this file on the computer might lead to a serious cyber attack.
Firefox-patch.js is promoted and urged to download on a compromised website. Usually, redirects to this site begins after adware[1] infiltration. However, browser redirect might occur when browsing through insecure sites, such as gaming, gambling or adult-themed.
You can suspect that your computer is infected with adware if you are redirected to fake Firefox update website often. Additionally, after the hijack, you might have to deal with these issues too:
- redirect to questionable sites that promote Mozilla Firefox or other software updates;
- display aggressive ads on visited websites;
- turn text into hyperlinks;
- promote various third-party programs that might be dangerous or put user’s privacy at risk;
- track browsing-related information about users.
Just like many similar ad-supported applications, Firefox-patch.js virus is capable of altering targeted browser’s settings and using a virtual layer to display ads on each website the user visits. The excessive amount of advertisements is needed to generate revenue for the developers because clicks on them bring some money.
However, security experts warn that users should stay away from these ads no matter how appealing they look because you might accidentally click on malware-laden ads.[2]. As you can see adware is not dangerous itself, but it can display infected content and cause indirect harm to your PC.
Additionally, this adware is also known for data tracking capabilities. This potentially unwanted application might collect and share various information about users. Hence, you might have to deal with even more pop-ups and redirects. What is worse, your privacy might be put at risk.
For this reason, immediate removal is recommended. We highly recommend scanning the system with FortectIntego or another anti-malware to clean all adware-related components from the system entirely.
However, you can also remove Firefox-patch.js by deleting the ad-supported program and its associated files manually. Though security experts from usunwirusa.pl[3] warn that this task might be complicated because adware-related entries might be hiding deep in the system. But if you insist on manual elimination, please follow manual removal guide presented below.
Adware which redirects to fake update website spreads bundled with freeware
The adware which is responsible for displaying fake Firefox update alert spread bundled with freeware or shareware. This software marketing method allows hiding PUP under Standard/Quick settings which are widely used by computer users.
The issue with this installer is that it does not ask direct permission if the user wants to install additional components with the primary program or not. It downloads it no matter what. For this reason, you have to get used to opt for Custom/Advanced installation to prevent accidental infiltration of adware, browser hijackers, and other PUPs.
Detailed Instructions to delete Firefox-patch.js
We have said that removal can be performed either manually or automatically. Manual elimination instructions are given below. They will explain how to terminate adware-related entries from the system, as well as web browsers. Nevertheless, adware seems to target Mozilla Firefox users the most; we recommend checking each of the browsers installed on your PC too.
If the manual removal guide seems complicated or you are looking for the quick solution to remove Firefox-patch.js from the PC, you should opt for the second option. To delete adware automatically, you have to obtain anti-malware software, scan the system with it, and reset affected browsers.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
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