Recent research has found that malware attacks are shifting to mining for cryptocurrency. This is most likely since it’s simple, and attackers can generate profits without being detected. In this article, we will discuss what Cryptojacking is and how to prevent it from happening on your computer or mobile device. Let’s also discuss steps you need to take if you have a Cryptojacking attack victim.

What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is the act of using a computer without consent to mine cryptocurrency. It can be done with JavaScript on an infected webpage or via malware that hijacks your device’s hardware and uses it for btc mining.

Cryptojacking can happen in various ways. The most common is JavaScript mining on an infected webpage. It can also be done with malicious apps that hijack your device’s central processing unit (CPU).

Cryptomining malware uses up to 90% CPU capacity and 100% GPU/graphics card usage. It renders the machine unusable until the process ends or stops. This makes Cryptojacking a very effective way of earning money from unsuspecting victims.

Let’s explore how you can prevent these attacks from happening to your devices. We will also discuss what you need to do if you are attacked and how you can recover from an attack if it does happen.

As mentioned before, Cryptojacking is done through JavaScript on a webpage or by malware that hijacks your devices. To prevent these types of attacks, avoid downloading software programs from any website. The safest place to download software is from official developer sites. Attackers create fake versions of popular apps with built-in mining scripts that will infect a user’s system as soon as they download them. Avoid installing browser extensions.

Extensions such as Coinhive could be used maliciously without your knowledge. Make sure all security patches are up-to-date. If a patch is released because of vulnerability, hackers can exploit your device’s CPU. Make sure you install it as soon as possible.

What you should do if an attack does happen

Immediately disconnect from all networks. The longer you stay connected while infected with malware, the more damage it will cause. Even after shutting down a program running in the background, there is no guarantee that 100% of the malware has been removed from your system.

In these situations, the best thing you can do is completely disconnect from any networks and allow a security professional to take care of them. Create a backup.

If Cryptojacking makes its way onto your device, back up all important files before allowing anyone else to remove the malware. This ensures that none of your personal information ends up in hands that shouldn’t have access to it.

Recovering from an attack

There are many different ways attackers will try to make money off their attacks. One popular method is by selling “Ransomware as a Service.” You create ransomware programs for other hackers who want to use them on unsuspecting victims. The most common ransomware types are:

Lockscreen ransomware

This type of attack will block you out of your device, displaying a message that demands payment to unblock it. Ransomware attacks can also be combined with Cryptojacking.

Pop-up window ransomware

This type of malware blocks access to all other windows on the infected system. It asks for money before proceeding to display messages. It demands payment in Bitcoin or another form of cryptocurrency.

Encryptor ransomware

These attackers encrypt files on an infected computer/device. It cannot be accessed without first paying the ransom.

Closing Thoughts

Cryptojacking is the act of using a computer without consent to mine cryptocurrency. It can be done with JavaScript on an infected webpage or via malware that hijacks your device’s hardware. Cryptomining malware uses up to 90% CPU capacity and 100% GPU/graphics card usage. It can be prevented by avoiding downloading software programs from any website. Avoiding the installation of browser extensions also plays a role in preventing Cryptojacking. Ensuring all security patches are up-to-date also helps in preventing crypto miming. In case of an attack, disconnect from all networks.

If Cryptojacking makes its way onto your c device, back up all important files before allowing anyone else to remove the malware. Creating ransomware programs for other hackers who want to use them on unsuspecting victims is the most recommended way to recover from an attack.