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Norton is installing a Cryptocurrency miner called Norton Crypto (NCrypt.exe) (twitter.com)

577 points by decrypt · 1718 days ago · 262 comments on HN

Article summary

Norton is installing a cryptocurrency miner called Norton Crypto on end user systems without a dialogue during the install of its security product. The miner, NCrypt.exe, is part of Norton's security software and takes a 15% mining fee. This move has sparked controversy and criticism from users and experts. Norton's decision to include a cryptocurrency miner in its security software has raised concerns about the company's priorities and the potential impact on users' systems.

Main themes

  • Norton's cryptocurrency miner
  • antivirus industry criticism
  • security software concerns
  • cryptocurrency mining risks
  • user exploitation
  • company priorities

What commenters say

  • Norton's decision to include a cryptocurrency miner in its security software is a scam and a clear example of the company's prioritization of profits over users' interests.
  • The inclusion of a cryptocurrency miner is a legitimate way for Norton to generate revenue and does not necessarily compromise the security of users' systems.
  • The 15% mining fee taken by Norton is excessive and unfair to users who are already paying for the security software.
  • The controversy surrounding Norton's cryptocurrency miner is a symptom of a larger problem with the antivirus industry, which is often criticized for being bloated and ineffective.
  • Norton's move is a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a changing cybersecurity landscape.
  • The inclusion of a cryptocurrency miner in security software is a potential security risk and could lead to further exploitation of users' systems.
  • Users should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of cryptocurrency mining and make informed decisions about the software they use.