We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

what is this firefox scurity scan. have to close browser to get rid of it

  • 6 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 27 views
  • Last reply by jhoney2079

more options

red screen comes up on computer and says firefox security scan in progress. than smaller windows come up wanting me to get patch or cancel. no way to get out other than to close browser and reopen.this has happened several times. did not know if it is legitamit

red screen comes up on computer and says firefox security scan in progress. than smaller windows come up wanting me to get patch or cancel. no way to get out other than to close browser and reopen.this has happened several times. did not know if it is legitamit

Chosen solution

used malware bytes. it removed something from my recycle bin. have not had problem since. thank you

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (6)

more options

If you get a pop-up message asking to update Firefox or plugins or scanning for malware then such a message is likely a scam and you should never respond to such an alert to avoid getting infected with malware.

  • Only update Firefox via "Help > About" or by downloading and installing Firefox from the Mozilla server and never via a pop-up or link on a web page.
  • Plugins should only be updated via the plugin itself or by visiting the home page of the plugin.
more options

is there a way to keep this from happening or a way to report it.it fills the whole screen and have to shut down browser .

more options

Are you saying the comes up when you start the browser?

Do you have the Firefox icon on your quick launch? Close Firefox. Right click on the icon and select Open New Tab. Sometimes this works. If it opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit.


If it's like the fake FBI/Interpol browser lock page, This add-on can stop such pages; disallow Script Button {web link} The Disallow Script button looks like a letter "M" and the title is the Minus Script, drag and drop the button on a toolbar. If the button is not displayed then nothing operates, except rules for plugins.

more options

no it does not come up when starting browser. it happens while using browser. i will try to get more info when it happens again. think may be something in my email. not sure,use netzero. has never happened with edge or internet explorer. just recently switched to firefox as default brower

more options

Adblock Plus {web link} Blocks annoying video ads on YouTube, Facebook ads, banners and much more. Adblock Plus blocks all annoying ads, and supports websites by not blocking unobtrusive ads by default (configurable).

Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon {web link} Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon extends the blocking functionality of Adblock Plus to those annoying pop-up windows that open on mouse clicks and other user actions.

Forum; Adblock Plus Homepage {web link}

more options

Chosen Solution

used malware bytes. it removed something from my recycle bin. have not had problem since. thank you