Firefox allows users to automatically block crypto mining scripts

Mozilla has announced that it is introducing new privacy protection features in the latest update of its Firefox browser which would allow users to block crypto mining scripts, among other things.

Last August, the Mozilla Foundation had announced its plans to allow automatically blocking cryptomining scripts in the future versions of its web browser. Delivering on this promise, Mozilla has now rolled out the option for users to protect themselves from these “nefarious practices.”

In an online post dated May 21, Mozilla said that the option to block crypto miners has been included in the “Privacy & Security” tab, alongside the options to block other content such as trackers, cookies, and fingerprinters.

The option to block crypto mining scripts was initially introduced in the Firefox Nightly and Beta versions.

Cryptojacking – the use of someone’s computer for mining cryptocurrency without their consent – is one of the biggest threats to user security.

Mozilla explained that crypto mining scripts “run costly operations on your web browser without your knowledge or consent, using the power of your computer’s CPU to generate cryptocurrency for someone else’s benefit. These scripts slow down your computer, drain your battery and rack up your electric bill.”

Last year, Opera rolled out cryptocurrency mining protection in all its mobile browsers. In April 2018, Google announced a ban on Chrome extensions that mine cryptocurrency.