This is almost beyond funny. I googled "Avira antivirus cryptomining" to see if I could find any other sources, and quite a few results [0][1][2] are from Aviras own blog warning about crypto mining viruses. One of the solutions mentioned are actually to install Avira. Yes, these are written a few years ago, but the irony is just incredible.
Super funny was my first thought but also pretty alarming that they thought they could get away with this. The amount of government contracts they have is probably enormous. Here's something to add to the jokes: A fun example I just found of one of their contracts with the US Secret Service, who they presumably just hijacked the computers of to cryptomine. [1] Hahaha isn't this like how you get a congressional hearing?
True - but since the tool is strictly opt-in only, are we a bit too critical of the tool? Personally I don't use any such av tools or have any stakes in cryptocurrencies. But in a way they are providing an option for less tech savvy people to mine cryptocurrency right? Would've been better if the crypto component was not installed by default, but still. As many mentioned, there's also the question of the education component to the users - how much good a job the tool does in providing proper awareness to people who go opt-in to the tool, on what they're getting into. Personally if I were to use such a tool, I'd prefer that.
I think what is wrong is telling people they will earn cash while the electricity bill will make so that only Norton will get money instead. All this while increasing global warming and energy waste.
It may be opt-in but there is just nothing good in it.
[0] - https://www.avira.com/en/blog/illicit-mining-software-beware... [1] - https://www.avira.com/en/blog/crypto-miners-coinhive-malware... [2] - https://www.avira.com/en/blog/yes-your-device-can-be-hit-wit...