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back to article Opt-in cryptomining script Coinhive 'barely used' say researchers

Few sites are bothering to use the opt-in version of Coinhive, the controversial ride-along JavaScript crypto-mining package that requires end-users' consent to run. So said security firm Malwarebytes in an analysis emitted on Monday, but Coinhive developers disputed those findings and argued that a third of cryptomining-using …

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  1. Anonymous Coward
    Coat

    I don't mind supporting websites by mining... but...

    - It HAS to be the users choice to do so... so opt-in only !

    - No mining allowed on mobile platforms (battery-life and all that...)...

    - It HAS to be throttled so people's computers don't become slow/unresponsive...

    - The owner of the website HAS to take responsibility for the code they use in case of malware / virusses being spread through their website...

    As long as these conditions are met (particularly the last one) people shouldn't have a problem with it...

    12 1 Reply
    1. bombastic bob Silver badge
      Reply Icon
      Devil

      Re: I don't mind supporting websites by mining... but...

      - it should NOT be written in a scripted language, which would tend to be GROSSLY inefficient and a total waste of electricity by "contributors"

      [but I doubt a 'native' version would EVER happen - who's gonna download an EXECUTABLE and RUN it?]

      And so, crypto-mining (voluntary or otherwise) basically RIPS YOU OFF via your electricity bill.

      and I bet the <whiny_voice>'climate change'</whiny_voice> crowd won't like the effect of electricity waste. but I'd laugh my backside off if ANY of those people are ACTUALLY USING javascript-based crypto-mining to raise funds!

      That would be funnier than Penn & Teller passing out flyers at Earth Day to ban 'DHMO'.

      2 7 Reply
      1. psychonaut
        Reply Icon

        Re: I don't mind supporting websites by mining... but...

        [but I doubt a 'native' version would EVER happen - who's gonna download an EXECUTABLE and RUN it?]

        bob - meet the average home user ... home users - show bob what you can do....clickety click run yes run ok

        ;)

        2 0 Reply
  2. katrinab Silver badge

    "non intrusive opt-in"

    Does that mean an "opt-in" statement hidden in the small print somewhere, which you can't access because your browser has frozen, and your battery / cpu is overheating?

    5 0 Reply
  3. DavCrav

    "So said security firm Malwarebytes in an analysis emitted on Monday, but Coinhive developers disputed those findings and argued that a third of cryptomining-using websites get their users' consent."

    So two thirds are running unauthorized software on users' PCs? Can someone get me a copy of the Computer Misuse Act, please?

    6 0 Reply
    1. bombastic bob Silver badge
      Reply Icon
      Devil

      "Can someone get me a copy of the Computer Misuse Act, please?"

      I'd prefer a BATTERING RAM and a FLAMETHROWER

      2 0 Reply

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