Mozilla Urges Firefox Users to Update Before Root Certificate Expiry
Mozilla is urging all Firefox users to update their browsers immediately to avoid security risks and potential disruptions caused by the impending expiration of a critical root certificate.
The certificate, used to sign Firefox add-ons and other Mozilla content, is set to expire on Friday, March 14, 2025. Users running Firefox versions older than 128 (or ESR 115 for Extended Support Release users) will face issues with add-ons and security features if they do not update.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
A Mozilla blog post warns that users on outdated versions will no longer be able to use add-ons after the certificate expires. Additionally, a Mozilla support document highlights several risks:
• Malicious add-ons could bypass security measures, putting user data and privacy at risk.
• Untrusted certificates may allow users to access fraudulent websites without warnings.
• Compromised password alerts may stop working, leaving users unaware of data breaches.
Who Is Affected?
The issue impacts Firefox on all platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS. However, iOS users are not affected, as Apple manages its own certificate system separately.
How to Update Firefox
To check your Firefox version and update:
1. Click Menu (☰) > Help > About Firefox.
2. If an update is available, it will install automatically.
Mozilla strongly advises users to update immediately to ensure browser security and stability.
Users of Firefox-Based Browsers Should Also Update
Those using Firefox-based browsers such as Tor, LibreWolf, and Waterfox should also verify that they are running a version based on Firefox 128 or later.
For users who encounter issues updating, Mozilla has set up a support thread to provide assistance.
Mozilla Urges Firefox Users to Update Before Root Certificate Expiry
Mozilla is urging all Firefox users to update their browsers immediately to avoid security risks and potential disruptions caused by the impending expiration of a critical root certificate.
The certificate, used to sign Firefox add-ons and other Mozilla content, is set to expire on Friday, March 14, 2025. Users running Firefox versions older than 128 (or ESR 115 for Extended Support Release users) will face issues with add-ons and security features if they do not update.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
A Mozilla blog post warns that users on outdated versions will no longer be able to use add-ons after the certificate expires. Additionally, a Mozilla support document highlights several risks:
• Malicious add-ons could bypass security measures, putting user data and privacy at risk.
• Untrusted certificates may allow users to access fraudulent websites without warnings.
• Compromised password alerts may stop working, leaving users unaware of data breaches.
Who Is Affected?
The issue impacts Firefox on all platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS. However, iOS users are not affected, as Apple manages its own certificate system separately.
How to Update Firefox
To check your Firefox version and update:
1. Click Menu (☰) > Help > About Firefox.
2. If an update is available, it will install automatically.
Mozilla strongly advises users to update immediately to ensure browser security and stability.
Users of Firefox-Based Browsers Should Also Update
Those using Firefox-based browsers such as Tor, LibreWolf, and Waterfox should also verify that they are running a version based on Firefox 128 or later.
For users who encounter issues updating, Mozilla has set up a support thread to provide assistance.
