Mozilla's Firefox web browser has been the go to choice when looking to avoid the security issues of Microsoft's Internet Explorer.  That appears to be changing as independent research reports are showing that the Firefox browser is open to more and more vulnerabilities.  The open-source browser has long prided itself on dodging the security and invasive issues that constantly fall on Internet Explorer.  It's open-source coding and free usage thrilled the personal computer world, but now the bad guys have come calling.  The question is why? 

Window Snyder, Chief Security Officer at Mozilla, says it was just a matter of time before the computing world turned on their product. "The browser is one of most critical pieces of software on the computer in terms of something attackers are going after," Snyder said. "Attacks are constantly changing and every software developer needs to recognize new threats as they emerge, but that's nothing new, we've always considered security to be a top priority." Basically, the more popular a piece of Internet software becomes the more hackers want to break it.  In past articles I've read, "bragging rights" is second to identity theft when it comes to reasons that hackers do what they do. 

The Firefox browser has been gaining ground over Internet Explorer as a problem free choice when it comes to surfing the net.  It's only downfall seemed to be the inability to use the Windows Update website to download Microsoft operating system updates and patches.  (Microsoft only allows their browser to access its web-based downloads...)  Some third-party programs have surfaced though that claim they can circumvent that issue and allow Firefox users to gain access to Microsoft updates.  I haven't tried any of these third-party claims and won't comment on them.

Bottom Line:  My solution is to install both.  I have both browsers on my machine and use whichever one gets the job done for that moment.  I use Explorer for Microsoft downloads and Firefox for general browsing.  Some sites do respond better to Firefox avoiding many of the annoying pop-up ads that have been programmed to look for Internet Explorer.  So, keep both browsers ready to use and happy surfing.

Mark Reczek
M-REZ Consulting

 

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