Critics of the automatic installation of cryptocurrency mining features on Norton 360


by

Tony Webster

The anti-virus software 'Norton 360' used by many users has been criticized for being automatically installed with the new function 'Norton Crypto' for virtual currency mining due to the update. increase.

Norton 360 Now Comes With a Cryptominer – Krebs on Security
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2022/01/norton-360-now-comes-with-a-cryptominer/

Once Opted Into Norton Crypto, You Can't Easily Uninstall | Digital Trends
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/no-easy-way-to-uninstall-norton-crypto/

The mining function 'Norton Crypto' installed in Norton 360 is a function to mine the virtual currency Ethereum when the installed PC is idle. Norton Crypto was added as a 'new feature', but it is provided in an executable file called 'NCrypt.exe' separately from 'Norton 360'. To use it, it is necessary to meet certain system requirements, and in order to use it, an opt-in method is adopted in which the user turns on the function by himself / herself.



However, fees for cryptocurrency mining and transactions are not fixed by Norton and will fluctuate due to market conditions and other factors. Therefore, if the amount of virtual currency that the user tries to withdraw is less than the fee, the withdrawal will be blocked. This confuses users, explains security news site Krebs on Security.

There have been multiple criticisms on the Norton Crypto-related community page regarding the addition of mining software to antivirus software. One of the users, Cavehomme 1, said, 'Who would think that it would be good for Norton to introduce mining functions into antivirus software. Norton is not a unique mining function, but a function to detect mining-related hacks. and the should be introduced, '

he said .

Krebs on Security says, 'I think the most worrying thing about Norton Crypto is that it leads millions of inexperienced Internet users into the world of cryptocurrencies. Due to privacy issues, users who come into contact with cryptocurrencies need to raise their level. '



in Software, Posted by log1p_kr