The Firefox Password Manager is intended to help keep all users' passwords in one place, so that they can log in automatically onto websites, or find their saved passwords easily; but to ensure a foolproof security, it also gives you a master password.
While the password manager is active by default, and accessible by going to the Privacy & Security section on the Preferences page, however there is a catch, the master password itself is not turned on for fresh installs, which leaves the stored passwords vulnerable to hackers or cybercriminals.
The fix as issued by Mozilla, is rated as “moderate” – given that it does not allow just anyone to extract passwords from the computer – but Firefox users are advised to check to make sure their browser is up-to-date for their optimum security.
If you've got automatic update turned on, then you should make sure to verify manually that it is working properly. Albeit, the easiest way is to select the About Firefox menu, which shows you the version of the browser you’re currently running, and check for any update, or offers you haven’t received yet.
Once there’s an available update, you’ll see the [Restart to update Firefox] button: simply click it and you’re about now done – as Firefox will remember all the tabs you have open and the session cookies: what you set, exit, update, reload and promptly open your tabs back again.
And if all goes accordingly, you’ll be restored back to where you were, logged into the same sites and ready to continue where you stopped. It is, however, recommended never to store unprotected password databases on your computer.
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