Cryptocurrency mining is one of the most crucial processes in the working of blockchain ecosystems. The mining process helps in the transactions constantly, helping the network and its security. Generally, the mining process involves computational powers used to solve complex mathematical problems.
With the growing demand for crypto and digital assets, the malicious activities involving using someone else’s computer without their permission for crypto mining have increased. Generally, this activity is called cryptojacking. Are you worried about your device’s safety and want to know how to prevent cryptojacking? Find more details in our article to protect yourself with increased cryptojacking detection and prevention methods.
Cryptojacking Explained
The unauthorized use of someone’s device to mine cryptocurrency is known as crypto jacking. Hackers generally use malicious software that can be installed through infected websites or downloads. As the software runs silently in the background, the device will eventually get slower and underperform normal tasks.
How Cryptojacking works?
There are various methods through which one’s device can become compromised. One of the most common is in-browser crypto jacking. In this method, scripts are embedded in the website’s code, and when a visitor visits such a website, the script starts the mining process in the background by utilizing the visitor’s processing power.
Another way is device-based, where one can directly install malware on the victim’s device. One can get compromised via phishing emails, downloads, or software updates.
Impact of Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking attack leaves a lasting impact on the device’s performance. The noticeable effects are the slowdowns due to processing power diverting to the mining process. As the device gets overloaded, it can start to overheat, leading to potential hardware issues. Over a prolonged period of time, the lifespan of the device will be reduced, and the electricity bills will skyrocket.
Different Types of Cryptojacking
1. In-Browser Cryptojacking:
Cryptojacking attacks through in-browser activity can happen if the website has malicious scripts. From such websites, hackers can use your devices to steal the device’s processing power for mining. The stealth scripts take the cover of harmless ads or free online games.
For example, one can be watching a movie over a compromised website or playing games while the script runs in the background. Unaware of the loss of computational power, the background script continues to mine cryptocurrency. The script will run for as long as the user stays on the page. Hence, prolonged exposure to such websites can crash one’s device.
In extreme cases, the pop windows, hidden or minimized, can continue to mine and steal your power. Due to the lack of obvious signs, such websites are hard to uncover and are the most common cryptojacking method.
2. Device-Based Cryptojacking:
In the case of device-based Cryptojacking, the hacker can insert malware on one’s device using compromised software, random updates, virus-filled downloads, phishing emails, etc. Once infected, the device will use the majority of its power to mine cryptocurrency for the hacker. This will lead to crashes, slowdowns, lags, and overheating.
How to Protect Yourself from Cryptojacking?
1. Website Security:
One of the best ways to prevent cryptojacking on your device is to increase your website security.
Starting from the basics, the browsing activity shall always be performed on reputable browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc. This will help with browser-based warnings. Extensions are available that are designed to block cryptocurrency scripts from running in the background.
For example, ScriptSafe or MinerBlock can help prevent such attacks. Extensions like BlockOrigin or AdGuard can be used to protect against ads.
2. Device Security:
For advanced protection, one must always be careful against pop-up notifications and try to close such windows as soon as possible. Another security step one can take is to install reputable antivirus software and keep them up to date. Keep in mind that you should use the official websites for updates on such software to avoid downloading some compromised antivirus programs.
Updating your operating system up to date with the latest security patches is another step. This will help ensure your firewall can monitor and control any threat.
Finally, one should avoid connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks. Secure your own Wi-Fi network with a strong password and WPA3 encryption.
3. Monitoring Your Device:
While one can take preemptive measures to limit the threat of cryptojacking, vigilant monitoring is also another crucial aspect of complete defense. In our constant use of data-heavy programs, and demanding websites, it is easy to avoid minor lag and slowdown. However, minor issues can turn into a massive attack on your device if the response is delayed.
The most common physical and digital symptoms are extremely common, like slow performance, a sudden increase in fan noise, overheating, or minor lags. An increase in the intensity of such symptoms can be a sign of something huge.
Hence, one must regularly check their CPU usage through the task manager to find any unusual spikes. If the CPU usage is high in idle conditions, the device can be compromised.
Conclusion
The threat of Cryptojacking is growing serious as the global adoption of crypto gains momentum. If one understands what cryptojacking is and is aware of how to detect crypto mining malware or how to detect cryptojacking, even a general idea of it, the odds are significantly increased of avoiding such attacks.
Further, keeping your device’s operating system and key programs up-to-date with the latest security patches is a crucial precautionary method. One can reduce their risk of falling victim to such crypto mining software significantly. Finally, stay informed about the rising cyber threats and keep your devices safe.
