Global cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock (NASDAQ: NLOK) has announced the launch of Norton Crypto, a cryptocurrency mining feature integrated into its Norton 360 platform. Users can mine Ethereum while their computers remain idle, with earnings transferred to a Norton Crypto Wallet stored in the cloud to prevent loss from hard drive failure.
Feature Details and Fees
According to Norton Crypto's terms, the feature allows users to leverage their PC's computing power for low-volume cryptocurrency mining while maintaining the high level of protection provided by their subscription. The mining software runs only when the computer is idle. Norton stated it will periodically transfer allocated crypto to a digital wallet created for the user, with each payout subject to a 15% fee for providing the mining software. Norton owns and operates its own mining pool.
NortonLifeLock CEO Vincent Pilette commented: "As the crypto economy continues to become a more important part of our customers' lives, we want to empower them to mine cryptocurrency with Norton." Chief product officer Gagan Singh added: "We are proud to be the first consumer cyber safety company to offer coinminers the ability to safely and easily turn the idle time on their PCs into an opportunity to earn digital currency."
Rollout Plan
Starting Thursday, select Norton 360 customers in Norton's early adopter program will be invited to mine Ethereum. The company expects Norton Crypto to become available to all Norton 360 customers in the coming weeks. Norton emphasized that the feature provides a secure and reliable way for consumers to participate in mining without additional hardware or complex setup.
The move has sparked industry debate about whether integrating mining into antivirus software could affect system performance or raise security concerns. Norton asserts that the mining process is fully controlled and transparent, and users can disable it at any time. Meanwhile, the 15% fee is relatively competitive compared to independent mining pools, while Norton expands its revenue through its own pool and wallet ecosystem.