Cryptojacking is a novel form of cybercrime that has emerged on the back of the surging popularity and value of cryptocurrencies.
As cryptocurrencies have soared in value, they’ve attracted a broad spectrum of people: from investors seeking to profit from price swings to technologists interested in the disruptive potential of blockchain technology.
However, they’ve also drawn in a darker crowd – cybercriminals who’ve seen a new opportunity to profit. In this context, cryptojacking has become a preferred method for these criminals to exploit the digital gold rush.
Much like the prospectors of the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, crypto miners seek to earn their fortune by “mining” for cryptocurrencies. Yet, the miners in the digital world don’t need shovels or pickaxes. Instead, they need powerful computers capable of solving complex mathematical problems.
And here’s where the cybercriminals step in – they found a way to use other people’s computers for their mining operations without consent. This covert operation is what we now know as cryptojacking.
As we discuss this topic in detail, you’ll find cryptojacking is a silent menace, quietly exploiting computer systems, much like a hidden iceberg waiting for an unsuspecting ship. It’s not a Crypto Crash in the traditional sense – where market values tumble – but it’s indeed a crash between personal security and clandestine criminal activity, causing systems to slow down, overheat, and even fail.
The danger lies beneath the surface of our daily online activities, making it a critical cybersecurity issue that requires our attention.
Understanding Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a form of cybercrime where hackers secretly use a person’s computing power to mine cryptocurrencies.
The term ‘cryptojacking’ is derived from ‘cryptocurrency’ and ‘hijacking,’ which precisely encapsulates what the crime is about – hijacking a computer to mine cryptocurrency.
The people or organizations whose computing resources are being hijacked are typically unaware of what’s happening. They do not benefit in any way from the mining operation, while their computer resources are being drained continuously.
How Does Cryptojacking Work?
Cryptocurrency mining requires significant computing power to solve complex mathematical problems. In return for solving these problems, miners are rewarded with cryptocurrency. The process of mining can be lucrative, especially with high-value cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it also requires a lot of electricity and processing power.
Enter cryptojacking. Cybercriminals have devised a way to pass on the cost of mining. They create special software known as ‘cryptojacking scripts’ or ‘miners’ that can be installed on a victim’s computer without their knowledge.
Once the software is installed, it works in the background, utilizing the computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies. The mined cryptocurrency is then sent back to the attacker’s server.
Infection methods used by attackers
The method of cryptojacking delivery varies. Some attackers use phishing techniques, sending emails that trick users into clicking a malicious link, which then installs the mining software on their computer.
Other times, attackers inject the cryptojacking script into a website or an ad that gets delivered to many websites. In these cases, merely visiting the website or clicking the ad will cause the script to run, with no need to install anything.
The purpose of cryptojacking is simple: it allows cybercriminals to utilize the resources of others for their gain. They get the rewards from mining cryptocurrencies, while the owners of the affected computers bear the cost, often unaware that their resources are being used in such a manner.
Cryptojacking represents a sophisticated evolution in cybercrime, intertwining financial motivation with stealthy intrusion. Understanding it fully is the first step towards mitigating its impact.
The Impact of Cryptojacking: Potential Harm and Risks
The immediate effect of cryptojacking on a victim’s computer might seem minimal at first glance – a slow down in performance, some lagging, or perhaps more fan noise than usual. However, the consequences of cryptojacking extend far beyond these minor irritations.
- Decreased Performance: The most noticeable impact of cryptojacking is a decrease in computer performance. Cryptocurrency mining is a resource-intensive operation that can hog significant processing power, slowing down the computer and causing applications to lag or crash. This can be incredibly frustrating and significantly hinder productivity.
- Increased Energy Consumption: Cryptocurrency mining requires a lot of energy. Computers infected with cryptojacking scripts consume much more power than they would under normal operations. This increased energy consumption can lead to higher electricity bills.
- Reduced Lifespan of Devices: Overworking a computer’s CPU by constantly running it at high capacity generates excessive heat and can cause the computer to wear out more quickly than it ordinarily would. Over time, this can reduce the lifespan of the device, leading to premature failure.
Real-life Incidents of Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking attacks are far from theoretical; several high-profile incidents have raised awareness about this growing threat. In 2018, cybersecurity firm Symantec reported an 8,500% increase in detections of cryptojacking.
One famous example involved the popular streaming site, The Pirate Bay, which experimented with Coinhive, a JavaScript mining tool, as an alternative way to generate revenue. However, they did it without informing the users, who suddenly noticed significant CPU usage when visiting the site.
In another incident, Starbucks customers in Argentina found that the WiFi service at the stores was hijacked for crypto mining after they had to wait for over 10 seconds before they could connect to the internet. The delay was due to the company’s internet provider injecting lines of code for mining Monero cryptocurrency.
These incidents, and numerous others, demonstrate the real and present danger of cryptojacking. They highlight the need for increased vigilance, protective measures, and informed cybersecurity practices to guard against this silent yet resource-draining cybercrime.
Identifying Cryptojacking: Recognizing the Signs
Spotting cryptojacking can be challenging due to its stealthy nature. However, the following signs might indicate that a device has been compromised:
- Significant Slowdown: A sudden or gradual decrease in device performance can be an indication of cryptojacking. If tasks that used to be quick and efficient suddenly start taking much longer to complete, it may be worth investigating further.
- Overheating: Because cryptojacking uses a significant portion of a device’s processing power, it can lead to overheating. This could cause the device’s fan to run continuously in an attempt to cool down the system.
- Increased Energy Usage: An unexpected spike in energy usage can also indicate a cryptojacking issue. As discussed earlier, cryptocurrency mining requires significant computational power, which in turn requires more energy.
Detecting Cryptojacking Scripts
Several software tools can help detect the presence of cryptojacking scripts:
- Antivirus Software: Modern antivirus software is equipped to detect and remove a wide range of threats, including cryptojacking scripts. It’s crucial to keep this software updated to deal with the latest threats.
- Browser Extensions: Extensions like No Coin and MinerBlock can be installed on web browsers to block cryptojacking scripts. These extensions are frequently updated to counter the newest script variants.
- Network Monitoring Tools: These tools can detect unusual levels of traffic or strange patterns that might indicate cryptojacking. They can be especially useful for organizations that may be targeted for their larger pools of resources.
- Cryptojacking Detection Tools: Specific tools have been developed to detect cryptojacking, like Coinhive’s own opt-in version, which alerts a user when a site is trying to mine cryptocurrencies using their system.
Recognizing and confirming cryptojacking promptly is crucial to mitigating its impacts. The sooner a cryptojacking script is detected and removed, the less impact it will have on a device’s performance, energy usage, and overall lifespan.
Protecting Your Computer from Cryptojacking
While the risks associated with cryptojacking are real and present, the good news is that there are numerous strategies and best practices that individuals and organizations can employ to protect their devices and networks.
1. Regular System Updates and Patching:
Keeping your system updated is a crucial line of defense against cryptojacking. Software developers continually release updates and patches to fix security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regularly updating and patching your system can help protect against these threats.
2. Installing Anti-Malware Software:
Quality anti-malware software can detect and block cryptojacking scripts before they infiltrate your system. These tools not only provide real-time protection but can also scan and remove existing threats. It’s important to keep this software updated to ensure it can recognize the latest threats.
3. Cybersecurity Awareness:
Promoting awareness about cryptojacking and other cybersecurity threats is essential. Individuals and employees should be educated about safe online practices, such as not clicking on suspicious links or visiting dubious websites, both of which can be channels for cryptojacking scripts.
4. Advanced Threat Protection Solutions:
For organizations, advanced threat protection solutions can provide an added layer of security. These systems monitor network traffic and use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect unusual activity, providing early warning of possible cryptojacking attempts.
Maintaining Good Cybersecurity Hygiene
In addition to these strategies, maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene is crucial. This involves being vigilant about the websites you visit, the emails you open, and the links you click on.
Backing up important data regularly and encrypting sensitive information can also go a long way toward protecting against various cyber threats, including cryptojacking.
In conclusion, while the cryptosphere offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges like cryptojacking. However, with awareness, vigilance, and the use of protective measures, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to this covert menace.
