Firefox adds option to automatically block crypto mining

Written by Yogita Khatri Translated by Penny

Rage Review: Mozilla has released an update for its Firefox browser that includes the option to block cryptocurrency mining scripts on websites. Mozilla announced on its blog on Tuesday that the option will be available along with cookies and trackers in the browser's "Privacy and Security" tab, and users will now also have the option to check a box to block "password managers" from running.

Mozilla has released an update for its Firefox browser that includes the option to block cryptocurrency mining scripts on websites.

Mozilla announced on its blog on Tuesday that the option will be available alongside cookies and trackers in the browser's "Privacy and Security" tab, and users will now also have the option to tick a box that blocks "Password Manager" from running.

Crypto-mining scripts on websites typically run in browsers without the user's knowledge or consent, using the power of a computer's processor to mine cryptocurrency for the hacker's personal gain.

"These scripts slow down your computer, draining your battery and costing you money on electricity," Mozilla said.

The option to block mining scripts has been available in beta since the feature was first introduced in April, and Mozilla has partnered with cybersecurity firm Disconnect for the service.

Mozilla announced the plan in August last year, saying its goal was to prevent third-party scripts from running and hindering the user experience. Web browser Opera also offers miner protection in its smartphone version, while Google's Chrome bans miners from extensions.

Illegal cryptocurrency mining is rapidly becoming popular with criminals (there are more legitimate uses as well). The code that performs the mining tasks can be delivered via malware and placed directly on a computer system, or it can be placed on a website by a hacker using the victim's machine through a browser.

A report last year by Skybox Security found that the method now accounts for 32% of all cyberattacks, while ransomware accounts for just 8%.

In 2017, Skybox found that the situation was almost completely reversed. Data on personal computers encrypted by malware and unlocked only after a fee was paid accounted for 32% of all attacks, while cryptojacking accounted for 7% of the total at that time.