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Articles > Cybersecurity >ÌýWhat is cryptojacking and how can you avoid it?

What is cryptojacking and how can you avoid it?

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed byÌýKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,ÌýDean, College of Business and IT

A person sitting in a darkened room uses a laptop with gold coins scattered nearby to signify cryptojacking

In this article

From identity theft to stolen credit card numbers,Ìýthe estimatedÌý is projected to reach $15.63 trillion by 2029.Ìý More than of these crimes is attributed to cryptojacking. This portion of the cybercrime world includes breaches like terrorist financing, stolen funds, scams, ransomware, online pharmacy, malware, and the darknet market.

What is cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is when a hacker secretly hijacks computers, smartphones, tablets or servers and turns them intoÌýcryptocurrency miners. The unpermitted use exploitsÌýblockchain networksÌýor applications, which otherwise securely record and maintain cryptocurrency transactions. More than in just the U.S.ÌýHere’s what you need to know to prevent this type of crime.

How does cryptojacking occur?

Anyone who has a device connected to the internet and who browses webpages, checks email or downloads apps is at risk for cryptojacking.

While that sounds alarming, there are two common ways people usually fall victim. One occurs byÌýclicking on a malicious email link, which immediately loads crypto-mining software onto your device and, unbeknownst to you, turns it into a crypto-mining machine.

The other method, calledÌýdrive-by crypto-mining, happens when a piece of JavaScript code is embedded into a webpage so that any time a device is used to visit that page, the device gets used for cryptocurrency mining.

These schemes happen frequently on pages or apps that draw a lot of traffic. For example,Ìýin 2018 a cryptojacking code was found hidden on theÌý.

A year later,Ìý were found in the Microsoft StoreÌýand even promoted on lists of the top free apps. When users downloaded and launched one of the apps, they would unknowingly download cryptojacking software onto their device.ÌýÌýIn 2022, nearly were reported.

Ìý

Common Cybersecurity Threats and How to Avoid Them

Common Cybersecurity Threats and How to Avoid Them


did you know cyber crime could cost the 0:02 world 9.5 trillion in 2024 and rise to 0:06 10.5 trillion by 2025 according to firm 0:09 Cyber Security Ventures In this video 0:11 we'll help you understand common cyber 0:13 security threats and how to protect 0:15 yourself I'm Nick Cam Let's get into 0:18 it This is the 0:21 framework Let's take a closer look at 0:23 some of the most common cyber security 0:25 threats you should be aware of 0:28 Fishing is a sneaky cyber security 0:30 threat where cyber criminals try to 0:32 trick you into revealing personal 0:34 information It often looks like an email 0:36 from a trusted source such as your bank 0:39 or a service you use Always double check 0:42 the sender's email address Look closely 0:45 for subtle misspellings extra characters 0:48 or odd domain names For example if your 0:51 bank usually emails you from this 0:52 address a fishing email might use 0:55 something like this 0:57 Don't click on suspicious links If in 1:00 doubt go directly to the website and log 1:03 in to check for 1:05 yourself Malware refers to malicious 1:08 software designed to harm your device 1:10 Malware can slow down your device steal 1:13 data and cause you to lose access to 1:15 your files You might download an app 1:17 that seems harmless but it secretly 1:20 installs malware that compromises your 1:22 personal data Only download software 1:25 from trusted sources or official app 1:27 stores Keep your security software up to 1:30 date Avoid clicking on pop-up ads or 1:34 links that seem too good to be 1:37 true Ransomware is a type of malware 1:40 that locks you out of your files or 1:42 device and demands payment in exchange 1:44 for unlocking them You open a file or 1:47 email attachment and suddenly your files 1:49 are locked the hacker demands a payment 1:52 to release them How to avoid it back up 1:55 your important files 1:57 regularly Avoid clicking on links or 1:59 attachments in unsolicited emails Keep 2:02 your operating system and security 2:04 software 2:07 updated Let's talk about how you can 2:09 protect yourself Use strong passwords 2:13 Enable two-factor authentication to FA 2:16 Regularly update your software Back up 2:19 your data Be skeptical Not everything 2:23 you see online is what it seems If 2:25 something looks too good to be true it 2:27 probably is Always double check before 2:31 clicking on links or downloading 2:33 attachments So there you have it Some of 2:36 the most common cyber security threats 2:38 and simple ways to protect yourself If 2:41 you're interested in learning more about 2:42 potential cyber security threats or even 2:45 considering a career in the field there 2:47 are educational programs that can help 2:49 you develop skills needed in this 2:51 growing industry Hit the link and check 2:53 them out And if you found this video 2:56 helpful don't forget to like and 2:59 subscribe for more content on careers 3:01 skills and education

How to spot malicious cryptomining

Since cryptojacking occurs in the background of an operating system, it can be difficult to detect. What’s more, because the code can be disguised to look like regular processes, evenÌýantivirus and antimalware softwareÌýmay miss it.

One problem this cyberthreat causes also happens to be one way to detect when cryptojacking is happening: It causes your device to not function properly. AÌýcomputer that’s being used to mine cryptocurrency :

  • Decreased performance: Your device might run slower, crash often or generally offer poor performance. These areÌýkey symptomsÌýofÌýthis type of malware code.
  • Battery drain: A battery that drains faster than usual is a potential sign of crypto-malware.
  • Overheating: SinceÌýmalicious cryptomining is such a resource-intensive process, devices may overheat more often. Pay attention if your laptop or computer’s fan is running faster than usual.
  • Central processing unit (CPU) increase: If you see an increase in CPU usage while browsing, it could mean malware software is running. Check your activity monitor or task manager, but keep in mind the scripts are likely hidden, making them harder to detect.

Recognizing the signs of cryptoattacks is only one way to protect yourself from cybercrimes. Preventing them before they happen is another.

Can cryptojacking be prevented?

Taking steps to reduce the risk of crypto-malware is also helpful forÌýpreventing other cyber threats. ÌýIf there are concerns about a computer or IT system being under threat of cyberattack, consider connecting with an expert who has aÌýbackground in cybersecurityÌýand can identify the issue. IT professionals experienced inÌýdigital forensicsÌýcan identify this type of malware, recover from it and prevent it and other cybercrime down the line. It’s worth the time — and a company’s security — to be proactive about understanding the impact of today’s most prominent cyberthreats.

Some helpful ways toÌýreduce the riskÌýof this type of malware are:

  • Installing a cybersecurity program: Choose software that can detect multiple kinds of cyber threats, including crypto-malware.
  • Staying updated on cryptojacking trends: Codes and scripts are constantly evolving, so take a proactive approach toÌýunderstanding the essentials when it comes to technology and computers.
  • Using extensions that block cryptojackers: Since crypto-malware is hidden in web browsers, install specialized browser extensions that protect devices across the web.
  • Install ad blockers: Malicious cryptomining scripts can be deployed through online ads, which makes ad blockers a first line of cybercrime defense.
  • Disable JavaScript: Disabling JavaScript when browsing online can help stop cryptojackers from infiltrating a device.

Keep in mind that when a computer is being victimized by this type of malware, it could also be troubled by other kinds of cyberattacks. One of the best methods of prevention is understanding other kinds of cybercrimes.

Ìý

Is cryptojacking worse than other cyberattacks?

Initially,Ìýcrypto-malware may seem relatively harmless, but using devices for this cybercrime is more than a breach of security — it’s also a breach of privacy and the right to sole ownership of a device. Other cybersecurity threats include:

  • Phishing: Hackers pretending to be a trusted person, business or government organization send emails or texts to gain access to private information.
  • Malware: Software that can disrupt IT processes or steal data and other information.
  • Ransomware: A type of malware that uses encryption to ransom a victim’s private information. Critical data is encrypted so that it cannot be accessed until a ransom is paid.
  • : When hackers take over a two-party transaction to steal credit card numbers from websites.
  • Stolen passwords: A cyberattack that occurs when a stolen password is used to gain access to a person’s or business’s digital information.

While this type of malware can burden a computer’s functionality, it’s not as immediately devastating as other cyberattacks, which often target financial and private information. That’s why it’s important to learn how to detect as many kinds of cyber threats as possible, including malicious cryptomining.

Learn more about preventing cryptojacking and other cybercrimes

Whether you’re seeking to gain a basic understanding of cybersecurity and other IT skills so you know more how to prevent cryptojacking, or you’re a working professional looking to expand your knowledge, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offersÌýonline course collections and degree programs.

Contact °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ for more information.

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Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,ÌýKathryn Uhles has served °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎÛ´«Ã½, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎÛ´«Ã½.

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