Norton antivirus software has come under criticism from users following revealing that it automatically installs cryptocurrency mining software on customers’ computers.
Norton began offering mining service in July 2021, although initial reports from the program did not immediately gain attention. According to the program’s website, Norton is creating a digital wallet Ethereum secure for every user.
This is fucking wild. Norton “Antivirus” now sneakily installs cryptomining software on your computer, and then SKIMS A COMMISSION. https://t.co/6s2otyCd78
— Cory Doctorow (@doctorow) January 4, 2022
However, on January 4, reporter Cory Doctorow tweeted regarding the program, calling the situation ” crazy« . « Norton Antivirus now stealthily installs cryptocurrency ‘software’ on your computer, then charges you a fee« , explique Doctorow.
The journalist’s tweet sparked a wave of discontent among internet users. One user went so far as to characterize Norton’s idea as ” disgusting, cloying and suicidal For the brand, while others began to ask which antivirus program they should use in place of Norton.
What antivirus do I use instead?
— Mono (@Monocerotos69) January 4, 2022
A Twitter poll asking if Norton is a malicious group because it automatically installs cryptocurrency mining software on its clients’ computers. Of the more than 8,700 people who responded to the survey, 76.3% said yes.
In your personal opinion … does @Norton qualify as a #malware group, given its recent efforts to surreptitiously install a crypto miner on its customers’ computers?
— ???? Rob Rosenberger (@vmyths) January 5, 2022
Afterwards, Norton spokesperson told The Verge in an email that the mining program can be completely removed by temporarily disabling Norton’s self-protection feature.
