Will Norton Anti-virus slow my computer down?

I can remember being asked this many times over the years by clients and at last I have a definitive answer, if you enable one of Norton’s latest innovations. Notice I said enable not install.

If you enable their crypto-currency miner, it will use some of your computer resources to mine money for you – and Norton will keep a 15% commission. However if Norton AV is using your computer resources to mine their 15% then it must be slowing your computer down! There is your answer.

Norton’s Antivirus Product Now Includes an Ethereum Miner – Schneier on Security

Norton 360 wants to pay you a pittance to mine Ethereum cryptocurrency – TechRepublic

OK with today’s powerful computer systems you will probably not notice it and you will be getting 85% return. So you choose.

Oh but wait a minute, didn’t you buy Norton AV to protect your computer. My recommendation is do not buy Norton but get a professional anti-virus solution that is not distracted from the important job at hand. If you want to mine cryptocurrencies, get a dedicated machine with dedicated software, do not use your business or personal computer.

Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles