On March 14, 2025, a root certificate essential for verifying signed content and add-ons for Firefox and other Mozilla projects expired, necessitating an update to version 128 (or ESR 115.13+) to avoid disruptions across all platforms, including Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
Failure to update will result in the cessation of all features dependent on remote updates, automatic disabling of all add-ons, and DRM-protected content becoming unplayable. Additionally, systems reliant on content verification may not function as expected. While the browser itself will remain operational, users will encounter significant limitations in functionality. Thus, every Firefox user must upgrade to the latest version promptly to prevent severe issues.
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A root certificate serves to verify the authenticity of websites, add-ons, and software updates. Without an active root certificate, Firefox cannot ascertain the legitimacy of these components, increasing the risk of encountering malicious software. Root certificates play a vital role in establishing trust through top-level validation, trusted certificates, and a security chain that links every certificate back to the root certificate.
Steps to update Firefox
It is crucial to update Firefox immediately. Users should first determine their current version by clicking the menu button in the upper-right corner, selecting Help, and then About Firefox. If the version number is below 128, an update is necessary. Users can obtain the latest version by visiting the Firefox download page and downloading the installer for their operating system. Generally, the installation process involves double-clicking the installer and following an installation wizard. For Linux users, the default package manager should be utilized, while Android and iOS users can perform the upgrade through their respective app stores.
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