Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that exist only on the internet and have no physical form. Cryptocurrency is revolutionizing the world financial landscape because of its anonymity, growth potential, and ease of use. Since the launch of the first cryptocurrency Bitcoin in 2009, the world has slowly adopted the usage of digital currencies. To create more of a particular crypto, you need to mine it.
Cryptocurrency mining uses a lot of computer processing power and energy. To effectively mine crypto, you might need to dedicate your computer power to the process for an extended period. Hackers that want to mine cryptocurrency maliciously penetrate other people’s computers and mobile devices to use their processing power. This act is called cryptojacking.
During cryptojacking, hackers often use malicious web browser downloads or mobile applications to infiltrate people’s devices. When active, the software the hackers plant on a device mines crypto, making the device run slower and at a higher-than-usual temperature. Just like many other cyberattacks, the perpetrators do it for profit. By cryptojacking, they will get crypto to add to their portfolio without spending money on energy.
How Widespread Is Cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking became prominent in 2017, and the threat has been growing ever since. It is currently one of the top cybersecurity threats, and internet users should take it seriously. As cybersecurity professionals develop detection tools for this threat, cryptojackers upgrade their infiltration systems so they can continue attacking people’s devices.
It is easy for cryptojackers to infect a device if the owner is not security-conscious. A common way they do so is by sending an email with an infectious link to unsuspecting users. Once that link is clicked, a cryptomining code will be loaded onto the device. Alternatively, the cryptomining code can be embedded to display advertisements on unsecured websites. Once you click an infected ad on such websites, the code loads onto your device. Once loaded onto your device, the code prompts the device to mine cryptocurrency round the clock.
How to Prevent Cryptojacking
To protect yourself from cryptojacking, you should do the following:
- Protect your online data.
- Learn to spot phishing messages and not click links you do not trust.
- Install a credible antivirus program on your device.
- Regularly update your antivirus program.
- Do not visit unsecured websites.
- Do not download untrusted files from the internet.
It would be best to prevent cryptojacking entirely because it is challenging to detect and eliminate cryptomining codes from your device manually. Cryptojacking processes usually mask themselves as legitimate processes, so you do not notice them. Cryptojacking will make your device run slowly, making it hard to troubleshoot.
If your device is unfortunately infected, look for the process demanding high CPU usage and investigate it. You can also go to your web browser to block JavaScript. While this option might interrupt the cryptojacking operation, it can affect your browsing experience.
Endnote
People around the world are rapidly adopting the use of cryptocurrency. However, this has made cybercriminals find a new way to make money. They do this by cryptojacking people’s devices to mine crypto to sell on exchanges. It is wise to prevent this cyberthreat outrightly than allow it to affect your device before looking for means to eliminate it.
