I realize this is confusing.

In the future, Firefox will refuse to run unsigned extensions. In other words, if Mozilla has not signed the extension, Firefox will auto-disable it. This will start in Firefox 41.

The first step being taken in Firefox 40 is simply to warn you that you have some unsigned extensions so you can check for updates and/or inform the publisher about this impending problem. This does not stop the extensions from running.

But it may make you nervous about them. As far as I know, they are as good as they ever were and the only action item is for Kaspersky to get them signed in the several weeks before Firefox 41 is released.

See also: http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php?showtopic=329476

BT35 said

Please use some common sense before you disable all addons. You are not keeping users "safe" by disabling their AV software!

The (unsigned) Extensions (provided by the AV) are only affected, the Antivuirus software itself is completely separate and is not affected in any way.

Also many of the Antivirus clients provides Extensions that replicate features already in Firefox.

Firefox 40: Firefox warns about signatures but doesn't enforce them. Firefox 41: Firefox will have a preference that allows signature enforcement to be disabled (xpinstall.signatures.required in about:config). Firefox 42: Release and Beta versions of Firefox 42.0 will not allow unsigned extensions to be installed, with no override.

Only Extensions as Themes, dictionaries, language packs, and Plugins don't need to be signed.

Addons is a general term as it does not refer to Extensions only.

jscher2000 said

I realize this is confusing. In the future, Firefox will refuse to run unsigned extensions. In other words, if Mozilla has not signed the extension, Firefox will auto-disable it. This will start in Firefox 41. The first step being taken in Firefox 40 is simply to warn you that you have some unsigned extensions so you can check for updates and/or inform the publisher about this impending problem. This does not stop the extensions from running. But it may make you nervous about them. As far as I know, they are as good as they ever were and the only action item is for Kaspersky to get them signed in the several weeks before Firefox 41 is released. See also: http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php?showtopic=329476

Dear Responders,

Thanks for your responses.

However, this is not the first time I've had special functions in AV software disabled by Firefox. This has been going on for several years. The "signed" add-on s just the newest approach.

I think it's arrogant to assume that other software vendors are going to tinker with their products on Mozilla's schedule. New versions of Firefox appear very frequently. AV software developers update their software packages annuallly and they often do not support older packages after a year or two.

It's also arrogant to assume that Firefox users wish to have their other software disabled or that Firefox "replaces" these features.

The Kaspersky AV special features do not function at this time. I use these features...I pay for them (!)...and I'd like them to function without interference.

The bottom line: Firefox is a tool for me...it's not a way of life.

I've spent way too much time "fixing" Firefox after major updates. I think it's time for me to find a browser that allows my other software to work as intended.

However, I do thank you for your respolnses.

Hi BT35, if your Kaspersky add-ons are disabled (grayed on the Add-ons page), that is not related to extension signing, that is due to their not being internally designated as compatible with Firefox 40. You can check for updates. If your Kaspersky add-ons are enabled but not working correctly, you could describe the details of what is not working to see whether any Kaspersky users are familiar with the issue.

I hear what you are saying about making it more difficult to support legitimate extensions for Firefox. Unfortunately, additional controls are needed to stem the tide of malware. Most AV vendors have been keeping up with new Firefox releases quite well over the past few years; some have no delays at all in supporting new releases every 6 weeks. I'm sure the Add-ons team will get a lot of grief if they don't make the signing process quick and easy for them.

JScher2000,

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, I've had this same problem with Firefox and various AV software packages for the last few years. I chose an AV package that meets my security needs and I'd like to have full use of it.

I've used Firefox for many years and I've stuck with it because I had customized it, it was familiar, and, until several years ago, it worked for me.

When Firefox began introducing new versions frequently...many of which required redoing the customizations...and when certain functions in several AV software packages were routinely disabled for months at a time...my satisfaction with Firefox declined.

At this point, it's time for me to go elsewhere.

Thanks for trying to help. However, please be aware that a browser is a tool for most of us. It's an essential tool that I use every day in my work. Familiarity is a plus. But if I have to redo all the customizations many times each year, then I might as well go elsewhere.

Further, Modzilla has no reason to assume that these AV software functions are "malware." In fact, most of them are old established functions that have been available for years.

Firefox has also become a real memory hog...it used to be a slim, trim browser, which was one of its strengths!

And what does Modzilla advise? Shut down other programs. The programs Modzilla wants me to shut down are those I use in my work!

Added together: it's time for me to find another browser that let's me get on with my work!

Hi BT35, it's your choice, it's your sanity.

I would just note that Firefox rarely requires you to re-customize the program unless you click the button for restoring some default settings to improve performance. If you do that and Refresh Firefox, then your custom settings, toolbar changes, and extensions are indeed removed. If you've ever seen an Old Firefox Data folder appear on your desktop, that's the likely course of events.