Is the miner which are trying to download is getting blocked by Google Chrome? Or is the browser blocking you from downloading a particular cryptocurrency wallet?
Firefox reports that the file contains a virus or malware. Chrome blocks your download stating that the file you are downloading is dangerous.
This is a download protection feature on browsers that protects you from malicious or potentially harmful file downloads.
But the problem is this safe browsing feature is too cautious and it will even block files that are perfectly safe. This is similar to the Anti Virus problem.
While the fix is simple, all you have to do is temporarily turn off safe browsing you need to understand why such files are marked as malicious.
Most of the times when you download a crypto mining software or a wallet of a particular cryptocurrency your computers antivirus shows red flag and blocks the file.
Previously we’ve explained why your mining software is getting blocked and removed by Anti-Virus. Here let’s see why browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox and Brave Browsers are blocking your crypto download files.
This is another quick guide for users who are facing trouble downloading a wallet file or mining software.
Why web browser blocks crypto miner / wallets?
Even if you download miners from reliable source such as GitHub or from official website the browser would be very suspicious of the download. This safe browsing feature has been added to all modern web browsers.
This is designed to protect users from dangerous websites and malicious file downloads that can harm users computer and compromise security. This build in security feature is a defense against online malware. It simply blocks all files that it thinks to be malicious, insecure, unwanted or uncommon.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6261569?hl=en
But why block miners and cryptocurrency wallets?
Reason for blocking crypto download files
Not just specific miner but your browser antivirus software reports almost every miners as virus.
ETH Miner, Claymore Miner, NiceHash Miner, Honey Miner, CCMiner, XMR STAK, XMRIG etc. Most new users think the warning is real. No they are not. In fact most of the miners and wallets do not contain any virus or malware.
The reason why Chrome and Firefox marks such files as malicious is the same reason as Windows defender and anti virus blocking miners.
Mining software’s contain scrypt that uses computers CPU power to mine cryptocurrencies. Back then hackers make botnet of miners and deploy into users computer without the knowledge of the owner. They then control the CPU power to their own advantage. This is the main reason why every mining software’s are getting blocked.
For wallet downloads it can be some other reason. Your wallet file will get blocked if you download it from host site that is unknown or untrusted. It will be blocked If the site or file’s publisher cannot be verified.
In most cases it simply blocks files from sites that are not using proper SSL certificates or https URL.
You can simply ignore the warning, discard the pop up and download the file. However here are few points to note.
Safely downloading files
It is never recommenced to download and run miners on same computers where you have wallets installed. It can compromise your wallet security. Either use a dedicated mining rig or buy a hardware wallet such as Ledger or Trezor and move all your coins there before you use your PC for mining.
Never download closed source miners except few reliable miners such as Claymore Ethereum miner. But then use such miners only on your mining rig. Not on your Personal Computer.
Before you download and install DYOR and make sure you are downloading the right file and from the right place. Additionally you can verify the checksum.
Learn: how to verify checksum of cryptocurrency wallet?
Always download from GitHub or from official website. Some miners for example Claymore has to be downloaded from Mega link. It may seem suspicious but the link can be found on their official Bitcoin Talk page.
In most cases stick to open source miner / wallets. Also if you download the file from official or reliable source then you don’t have to worry about the warning.
From our experience most mining software’s and wallet files that your browser blocks are safe to use.
Here is how you can download the miner or wallet file which your browser blocks.
How to stop browser from blocking crypto downloads?
Currently the only workaround for keeping the browser from blocking crypto files is to temporarily turn off the browser security feature. Turn it off, download the file and then turn it back on.
Firefox
- Open Firefox, go to Tools >> Options.
- On the preferences page open privacy and security settings.
- Scroll down to security settings and uncheck “Block dangerous and deceptive content”.
Google Chrome / Brave Browser
- Open Chrome. At the top right corner click on the three dotted menu and open settings.
- On settings menu click on privacy and security tab.
- Again on privacy and security options click on security and select no protection option.
A popup window will show up to confirm turn off safe browsing.
Turn it off and download the blocked file.
As we said after you download the miner or wallet file it’s a good idea to re-enable the safe browsing feature.
