While crypto jacking is a relatively new phenomenon, it has been reported at places like Salon and Pirate Bay. The extent of the problem has been overstated considering that in-browser mining scale is not profitable to these smart scammers.

As things stand, Chrome Web Store policy allows cryptocurrency mining in extensions as long as it is the extension’s single purpose. This also requires that the user is adequately informed of the mining behavior. Of concern is the fact that almost ‘’90% of all extensions with mining scripts that developers have attempted to upload to Chrome Web Store have failed to comply with these policies, and have been either rejected or removed from the store.”

Just two weeks ago, Google pronounced that it will restrict all cryptocurrency related advertisements. The extensions had provided powerful capabilities that had enabled the developer community to build a vibrant and robust catalog of extensions that have given the community an opportunity to get the best out of chrome. While this is laudable, malicious software developers have taken advantage of this to abuse the platform and hurt users.

The ban policy will, therefore, seek to ensure that users can enjoy the benefits of the extensions without exposing themselves to the hidden risks of the same extensions. The extensions will be devoid of cryptocurrency advertisements that include but are not limited to initial coin offerings, cryptocurrency exchanges, cryptocurrency wallets, and cryptocurrency trading advice.