Cryptojacking is a type of cybercrime where cybercriminals covertly use a victim's computing power to mine cryptocurrency. This unauthorized activity typically occurs without the victim's knowledge, leveraging their device's resources to generate digital currency for the attacker. The process involves embedding malicious scripts into the victim's computer or mobile device, which then run in the background, consuming significant computational power.

How does Cryptojacking Work?

Cryptojacking works by covertly installing cryptomining scripts onto a victim's device. This often begins when a user clicks on a malicious link in an email or visits an infected website. These scripts can also be embedded in online ads, which execute automatically when loaded in the victim's browser.

Once the script is in place, it runs in the background, utilizing the device's CPU and other resources to mine cryptocurrency. The process is designed to be stealthy, often using minimal resources to avoid detection. Some scripts even open hidden browser windows or disable competing cryptominers to remain undetected.

The cryptomining script continuously uses the device's computational power to generate cryptocurrency, which is then transferred to the attacker's digital wallet. This unauthorized use of resources can significantly degrade device performance, causing it to run slower, overheat, or crash.

What are Examples of Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking incidents have targeted a variety of high-profile entities, demonstrating the widespread nature of this cyber threat. In 2018, cryptojacking code was discovered on the Los Angeles Times' Homicide Report page, where attackers used Coinhive to mine Monero cryptocurrency. Similarly, a European water utility's control system was compromised by cryptominers, significantly affecting its operations.

Another notable example occurred in 2019 when eight apps secretly mining cryptocurrency were removed from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, during the same year, over 200,000 MikroTik routers in Brazil were infected with cryptojacking scripts. These cases highlight the diverse methods and targets of cryptojacking attacks, from media websites to critical infrastructure and consumer applications.

What are the Potential Risks of Cryptojacking?

Understanding the potential risks of cryptojacking is crucial for any organization or individual. Here are some of the key risks associated with this cyber threat:

• Decreased Device Performance: Cryptojacking significantly slows down devices, leading to reduced productivity and efficiency.

• Increased Energy Consumption: The unauthorized use of computing resources results in higher electricity bills and can cause devices to overheat.

• Potential Hardware Damage: Prolonged cryptojacking can lead to hardware failures, as devices may shut down due to excessive strain on their processing power.

• Exposure to Further Security Vulnerabilities: Cryptojacking malware can spread across networks, opening up additional attack vectors for other types of malware.

• Risk of Data Breaches: The presence of cryptojacking malware increases the likelihood of data breaches, as it can be used to exfiltrate sensitive information or create backdoors for further attacks.

How can you Protect Against Cryptojacking?

Protecting against cryptojacking requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective strategies:

• Install Browser Extensions: Use extensions like minerBlock or No Coin to block cryptomining scripts.

• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch vulnerabilities.

• Use Ad Blockers: Employ ad blockers such as Ad Blocker Plus to prevent malicious ads from running cryptojacking scripts.

• Monitor Device Performance: Continuously check your device's CPU usage and performance for unusual spikes.

• Disable JavaScript: Consider disabling JavaScript in your browser settings to block cryptojacking scripts, though this may limit website functionality.