Norton360 by NortonLifeLock Inc., has recently updated its popular antivirus product to include a new cryptocurrency mining component.  The cloud-based service which is now part of the application allows customers to profit from the scheme, while Norton takes a 15% portion of any Ethereum currencies mined.

While the feature is described as opt-in, numerous users are complaining that the component auto-enabled and worse is difficult to remove once installed.

The Cyber Security Association of Pennsylvania is publishing this alert as trusted antivirus applications should be there to protect users against threats including unwanted crypto miners. 

Norton Crypto will increase the energy consumption for systems it is enabled on as well as worldwide, costing consumers and businesses more in electricity use than they will likely see from the mining profits. 

Scott Davis, President of the Cyber Security Association of Pennsylvania, stated that “If you are using Norton360 you want to ensure that Norton Crypto is disabled and remove the NCrypt.exe file that is created to perform the mining”.  Mr. Davis added, “if you are using Norton360 as your antivirus vendor you should consider moving to another vendor for your Antivirus software.”

If you are not sure what antivirus vendor you are using, consult with your trusted IT department or vendor today.