The gray exclamation triangle is a little confusing because there are two different types of information mixed together in that icon:

(1) Not supplying identity information: this indicates that there is a valid security certificate, but it is an ordinary certificate and not an EVSSL (green lock) certificate. Same as a gray padlock, as far as the main page goes. So that part of the message is not worrisome unless the site used to show a green padlock before.

(2) Gray exclamation-triangle: this indicates that that the page contains "mixed" content. More specifically, although the page was retrieved through an encrypted connection (HTTPS) with a valid certificate, something in the page was retrieved over an open connection.

To discover the non-secure content, you can look in Firefox's Browser Console:

• Windows: Ctrl+Shift+j
• Mac: Command+Shift+j
• Menu Bar: Tools > Web Developer > Browser Console
• (Win) orange Firefox button > Web Developer > Browser Console

Once you have that open, you likely will see lots of stuff. To filter the list, type mix into the search/filter box at the upper right.

At this point, you can decide whether you are concerned about the non-secure content. For example, perhaps it's something from the same site that they mistakenly forgot to serve with an HTTPS URL. (Screen shot example attached.) But, you may discover that it's from a different site and then you can start to assess whether there might be something suspicious going on with the page. If you start seeing a pattern, perhaps one of your extensions is injecting advertising into the pages... or worse.

Note: You can keep the Browser Console window open (minimized) with the filter set to mix for quicker reference if you're seeing this often.

There are three gray triangles on my screen and none of them give this information. I once saw it when I clicked something by accident. I suggest more distinctive icons, and putting the icons in help so they are easier to reccognise.

Can you attach a screenshot?

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenshot
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem

Use a compressed image type like PNG or JPG to save the screenshot.

see attached screenshot

What your screenshot shows in the location bar is the padlock for a secure EV (extended validation) connection.
Such a connection should provide identity information.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Site+Identity+Button

If there is a shield icon to the left of the "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location bar then that means that mixed active content is blocked.

If there is mixed passive content (e.g. images) then Firefox shows an exclamation mark instead of "Site Identity Button" (globe/padlock) on the location bar.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-does-content-isnt-secure-affect-my-safety
• https://developer.mozilla.org/Security/MixedContent

Hi Roedy Green, I don't see gray triangles in that particular screenshot. Was there another one that shows them, or are they artifacts that aren't captured in a screenshot?

There is a triangle by bookmarks, autofill and firebug. I don't think any of them are the triangles referred to.

I found I could trigger site info by clicking the icon to the left of the url.

That are not triangles but are drop down markers that indicate that an extra menu opens in you click the icon instead of having an immediate action.

Okay, I think I got confused between your screen shot and the original question. It sounds as though you either haven't loaded a page with the gray exclamation triangle (it appears in place of the padlock) or it didn't bother you.