When it comes to browsers Firefox is by far the superior contender amongst all others. Not only is it faster and has superior user features, but it has a significant amount of additional features that can be added. These extra features are called add ons and are created both by Firefox and by other users that aren’t affiliated with Mozilla.
With the high popularity in these Firefox add ons, they have become a prime target for malicious internet users looking to infect computers, steal information, and cause as much damage as possible. This is why it is incredibly important to install add ons that have been verified by Mozilla, and avoid all add ons from outside websites unless you are completely sure.
Some random plugins that you should be wary of are ones that are for coupons, anything that requires you to put in any sort of personal information, or any that are from an untrustworthy website. If you do install a plugin or addon for your web browser, then you can check if it contains a virus by scanning the files with your anti-virus program. If they clear, then you can assume that it is somewhat safe, although some viruses are cleverly cloaked to avoid detection so this should only be used if you are set on downloading the unknown add on.
So where do you find trustable add ons for Firefox?
First, go here and search for an addon: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/
You can assume that the most popular and top rated add ons are safe as they are generally downloaded by thousands of users. If one of those users experienced a problem they would have reported it, especially if it had a virus hidden in it.
Most of the add ons have been rated by other users and have already been tested; however there are a few that have not. Mozilla does have a variety of experimental addons that are not all immediately checked by editors. These addons can contain viruses and there have even been some reports back in 2010 of several add ons that slipped through onto the Mozilla add on page and were downloaded. You should stick to approved add ons and stray away from the experimental ones just to be safe because the virus you download could cause irreparable damage on your computer.
If you go to a website and it tells you that you MUST download some add on for your browser for it to be compatible, then stop before you download! Take a few seconds to research whether this is a scam or not, this extra effort can save you hours of headache if you end up downloading a virus!