What is Cryptomining Protection?
Bitdefender’s Cryptomining Protection feature defends Windows computers against the growing threat of unauthorized crypto-mining activities, a malicious practice that exploits a user’s resources and electricity to generate revenue for attackers. This feature is built into Bitdefender security solutions for Windows, accessible through subscription plans:
Prerequisites
Cryptomining Protection relies on:
- Bitdefender Shield (Protection > Antivirus > Advanced > Bitdefender Shield)
- Web Attack Prevention (Protection > Online Threat Prevention > Web Attack Prevention)
Users are warned if either of these Bitdefender features is disabled, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Enabling Cryptomining Protection
Located within the Protection section, Cryptomining Protection is disabled by default, ensuring that users have control over its activation via the on/off switch.
Operating modes
Once enabled, the Cryptomining Protection feature operates in 2 distinct states, each tailored to the user’s preferences:
1. Block all Cryptomining activities
- Ideal for users who have no intention of engaging in crypto-mining activities.
- Bitdefender automatically blocks any crypto-mining activities and takes necessary actions to prevent further unauthorized attempts.
- Users can customize notification settings, choosing between receiving notifications for each detection or opting for a summary of detections.
2. Detect Cryptomining activities
- Suited for users actively involved in their own crypto-mining activities but wish to monitor and control any unauthorized attempts.
- Bitdefender issues alerts whenever a crypto-mining activity is detected and requires user input to determine the appropriate action.
Exceptions
Users have the flexibility to create exceptions through a dedicated tab in the Exceptions area. These exceptions can be specified for applications, with the added capability of defining specific command lines. However, exceptions can also be established without the need for providing such detailed parameters, offering a balance between customization and simplicity.
To add an exception:
1. ClickProtection on the left-hand side menu on the Bitdefender interface.
2. In the Cryptomining Protection pane, click Settings.
3. Click the Manage exceptionsoption.
4. Next, click the Add an Exception button.
5. A new window will open where you can manually exclude applications, URLs, and IP addresses.
Command line exception tips:
• The “Add process command line” option becomes available after selecting or typing an app’s path.
•Multiple command lines can be added for the same process.
• The “Add new command line” option becomes active only when there is text in the input field above.
• When excluding multiple command lines for the same process (whether within the same exception session or in separate sessions), the cmd lines will be grouped under the same exception in the exceptions list.
6. Finally, click the Save button. The new rule is added to Cryptomining Protection exceptions list.
To remove an exception, simply click the trash can icon next to it.
FAQs
For users who want to run legitimate cryptomining activities, but prevent unauthorized access from abusing their resources, Cryptomining Protection acts as a unique management tool, enabling them to monitor and decide what should be kept running and what should be prevented.
What is the Bitdefender controversy? ›
In 2021, Bitdefender was accused of self-promotion when releasing and publicly announcing a decryptor to the detriment of victims of DarkSide, a hacking group.
Is Bitdefender legitimate? ›
Bitdefender is one of the top-rated antivirus providers on the market in 2024. It continuously gives excellent results at independent lab tests, isn't as expensive as its competitors, and includes useful security features.
Is Bitdefender worth it in 2024? ›
Similarly, Bitdefender ranked high in AV-Comparatives' March 2024 malware protection test. Of the 16 antivirus programs tested, Bitdefender scored a 96.1 percent online detection rate, 99.92 percent online protection rate, and 96.1 offline detection rate, with four false positives.
Does Bitdefender stop hackers? ›
These are not just numbers, they are our commitment to keeping you safe. When you choose Bitdefender, you're leveraging our extensive security infrastructure to protect yourself from viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, and phishing attempts – all the digital threats lurking out there.
What is the best Bitdefender to buy? ›
Best antivirus protection for Windows. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus packs the next-gen cybersecurity that won the “Product of the Year” award from AV-Comparatives. It protects Windows PCs against all online threats, and includes privacy tools such as Bitdefender VPN and Bitdefender Safepay.
Is Bitdefender shutting down? ›
In March 2022 Bitdefender has introduced a new free antivirus solution for Windows, replacing the previous Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition discontinued in December 2021, that resided on a legacy technology platform.
What is better than Bitdefender? ›
At the feature-rich mega-suite level, both Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe are our top picks. If you want identity theft protection with your suite, Norton 360 with LifeLock is a top choice.
Does Microsoft own Bitdefender? ›
"Microsoft Defender works alongside your existing antimalware solutions, even if they're made by other companies such as Norton or Bitdefender." BitDefender is not a Microsoft product so when it was installed, it, as I said, probably disabled Defender that is pat of Windows.
Is Bitdefender Made in USA? ›
BitDefender is Romanian. Avast comes from the Czech Republic. Avira and GDATA are made in Germany.
Both Bitdefender and McAfee offer comprehensive antivirus and security solutions with strong protection against various cyber threats. Bitdefender has an edge in scanning speed and pricing, while McAfee offers additional features like identity theft protection and a more intuitive interface.
Is Bitdefender safe for banking? ›
Bitdefender Safepay is a protected browser, a sealed environment that is designed to keep your online banking, e-shopping, and any other type of online transaction private and secure. Hackers are relentless in their efforts to steal personal information, so you can never be too careful about securing online ...
Can malware get past Bitdefender? ›
Some files may not be detected by Bitdefender even if they are malicious. They are called false negatives and usually occur when the malware uses new (unexplored) techniques. To promptly resolve this issue, we kindly ask you to send us the malicious files as described below: Locate the files on your drive.
Does Bitdefender use a lot of RAM? ›
During an on-demand or background scan performed by Bitdefender it is normal for CPU, RAM, and disk usage to increase. Scanning involves intensive processes that require significant resources to analyze files, folders, and system areas for threats.
Why is Bitdefender free discontinued? ›
“We are focusing product development around multi-platform protection and as a result, we are retiring Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows starting on December 31, 2021. Current users will be supported through June 30, 2022," the company told TechRadar Pro in a statement.
Is bit mining still worth it? ›
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin mining profitability is affected by equipment and electricity costs, the mining difficulty, and bitcoin's market value. After accounting for the costs of bitcoin mining, it can become profitable as long as the market cooperates.
What is crypto mining Bitdefender? ›
In this context, Cryptomining Protection helps ensure Bitdefender users remain aware and protected against unauthorized system breaches that reduce device performance, increase electricity costs, shorten device lifespan, and impose security risks to their overall systems.
What is the best security for Bitcoin? ›
An offline wallet, also known as cold storage, provides the highest level of security for savings. It involves storing a wallet in a secured place that is not connected to the network.
Does crypto mining damage your device? ›
Crypto mining can damage your GPU, so it is imperative to understand the potential consequences. This guide has emphasized that mining can result in significant amounts of heat and strain on your graphics card, increasing the risk of damage or shortened lifespan.
• The “Add process command line” option becomes available after selecting or typing an app’s path.