user2552: For example I was downloading the latest cgminer and Avast blocked the download saying it was a virus. Is this true or is it a false positive? I've had other antimalware (I think Malwarebytes) detect cgminer as a virus.

user7284: This is probably because hackers install these miners on peoples computers without their knowledge or make a botnet of miners. 
Solution to this is placing your miner to ignore-list or get another antivirus like Avira, Avg, or just switch to linux and no need for antivirus anymore.

2552: <p>For example I was downloading <a href="http://ck.kolivas.org/apps/cgminer/3.5/" rel="noreferrer">the latest cgminer</a> and Avast blocked the download saying it was a virus. Is this true or is it a false positive? I've had other antimalware (I think Malwarebytes) detect cgminer as a virus.</p>
 7284: <p>This is probably because hackers install these miners on peoples computers without their knowledge or make a botnet of miners. </p>

<p>Solution to this is placing your miner to ignore-list or get another antivirus like Avira, Avg, or just switch to linux and no need for antivirus anymore.</p>
