“Norton creates a secure digital Ethereum wallet for each user,” the FAQ reads.

The FAQ also says Norton Crypto will only run on systems that meet certain hardware and software requirements (such as an NVIDIA graphics card with at least 6 GB of memory).

In 2017, the identity theft protection company LifeLock was acquired by Symantec Corp., which was renamed to NortonLifeLock in 2019 (LifeLock is now included in the Norton 360 service).Īccording to the FAQ posted on its site, “ Norton Crypto” will mine Ethereum (ETH) cryptocurrency while the customer’s computer is idle. Norton 360 is owned by Tempe, Ariz.-based NortonLifeLock Inc. But many Norton users complain the mining program is difficult to remove, and reactions from longtime customers have ranged from unease and disbelief to, “Dude, where’s my crypto?”

Norton’s parent firm says the cloud-based service that activates the program and allows customers to profit from the scheme - in which the company keeps 15 percent of any currencies mined - is “opt-in,” meaning users have to agree to enable it. Norton 360, one of the most popular antivirus products on the market today, has installed a cryptocurrency mining program on its customers’ computers.

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