Is this malware? Firefox related.

[Kunkle]

Hi all,

I use Mint 20.3 cinnamon. Earlier, using Firefox browser, I went onto the Gov.uk website to check the MOT history of a vehicle. When I clicked through to the page where the car plate number is entered, it asked me to tick a box saying "I am a human". I use this page quite a lot, and even until yesterday I'd never seen this. It happened today for the first time.

I often see captchas, and they're no problem. But this one said "why are you seeing this?" and it said "because your system is possibly infected with malware". I've never seen this explanation before. So I'm a little concerned. In several years of using Mint, I've never once seen anything suspicious like this.

Should I be worried? Is there anything I can do? Clamv appears to be a pile of excrement.

Thanks in advance.

[kc1di]

I'm not sure I'd put much stock in their sight but just in case this page from Linux Security may be helpful.
https://linuxsecurity.com/features/the- ... or-malware

[dorsetUK]

... I use this page quite a lot, and even until yesterday I'd never seen this.

Hi Kunkle.

I don't worry about it. I never used to get it either but as I'm looking at buying a new, to me, bike I've been using it a lot over the last month and, as with you, started getting asked if I'm human. I didn't bother reading the warning as I assume that as I'm not using Windows or MacOS that their security has become confused.

[dave0808]

Websites (developers) seem to get very confused by Linux browsers. I use a few sites that have an option to "remember me on this device", which works until the next Firefox update, then I have to go through the whole process again.

Also some captcha implementations are lenient if you're logged into Google (for example, in another tab) and the cookies are visible so the captcha sees that you're a human and you get to bypass it. If you're remotely careful with security and privacy, you end up having to prove yourself much more.

[stevengarland]

Its based on your decision to keep cookies or not

[Kunkle]

Thanks all.

I have Firefox set up to delete cookies after every session. So perhaps it might be related to this.

Aside from this warning, there is no other unusual behaviour across the rest of my system.

[MintMagoo]

It is an indication that the site is infected by the AH virus, usually upper management.

[dorsetUK]

Its based on your decision to keep cookies or not

Thanks all.

I have Firefox set up to delete cookies after every session. So perhaps it might be related to this

So do I, so thanks go to Steven.

[motoryzen]

But this one said "why are you seeing this?" and it said "because your system is possibly infected with malware".

Yeah I'm siding with MintMagoo on this one. that's a phishing tactic. Don't fall for that crap

[Kunkle]

But this one said "why are you seeing this?" and it said "because your system is possibly infected with malware".

Yeah I'm siding with MintMagoo on this one. that's a phishing tactic. Don't fall for that crap

Do you mean don't tick the captcha box? Because I did, once.

[_tab]

I get this all of the time as using a 4G connection, often you seen in their privacy statement they want to verify your IP address - Gov web sites especially or financial sites like London Stock Exchange.

If using a VPN or incognito mode may trigger these to make sure its not bot scraping data, just a guess.

[_tab]

Here's a great working example, just edited a post on here but message came back as IP blacklisted.

Unsure as to exact algo but obviously something in common with spam as it listed a spam detection service also.

[dorsetUK]

Do you mean don't tick the captcha box? Because I did, once.

Hi Kunkle.

There’s plenty of info from gov.uk*, e.g.

https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/techn ... g-captchas

https://your-defra-account.defra.gov.uk/cookies

If you want to find out a bit more, then;

Your rights

You have the right to:

object to GDS processing your personal data where we rely on legitimate interest

You also have the right to request:

information about how your personal data is processed
a copy of that personal data
that anything inaccurate in your personal data is corrected without undue delay

You can also:

request that your personal data is erased if there is no longer a justification for it
ask that the processing of your personal data is restricted in certain circumstances

If your personal data is processed on the basis of a contract that you have with GDS, you also have the right to:

request a copy of your personal data. We will deliver your data in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format to enable portability.

For more information about your rights, read advice from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

https://www.payments.service.gov.uk/recaptcha-notice/

My own view is that if I want the service being offered then I use it. As with you I then delete all cookies, which may, of course, be making a mountain out of a molehill.

* there are also plenty of other opinions on the internet – my own, I’ve read both sides and am aware of the issues, so it’s up to me.