Cryptojacking is a malicious cyber-attack that hackers use to illegally gain access to victims’ computers and devices to mine cryptocurrencies. The attacker does this by running code on the victim’s computer that allows them to steal processing power from their device and use it to generate coins or tokens without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
It is important to note that crypto jacking does not always involve installing malicious cryptojacking software. It can take many forms, including browser-based attacks and website-embedded code. The attacker aims to remain undetected while stealing processing power from the victim’s computer or device to mine cryptocurrencies.
In addition, hackers have been known to use the stolen processing power of victims’ computers or devices to generate industry-specific coins or tokens. For example, crypto miners may mine a specific cryptocurrency, such as Monero, to gain access to exclusive rewards from specific blockchain projects.
TAG Solutions are experts in preventative cyber security and cloud services. This blog will provide you with all the necessary information on crypto-jacking, allowing you to better protect yourself and your business. Let’s dive into it.
What Does Cryptojacking Mean | A Basic Intro
Cryptojacking, at its core, is a form of unauthorized use of someone else’s operating system to mine cryptocurrencies. The process is clandestine, often leaving the victims unaware of its occurrence. Hackers successfully execute this by emitting crypto-mining code onto the victim’s computer or a website.
Once the code is activated, it utilizes the processing power of the victim’s device to mine digital currencies. The mined cryptocurrency then goes directly into the hacker’s wallet, making it a lucrative endeavor for cybercriminals. A significant primary security concern due to its secretive nature and the potential harm it can cause to devices, including slowed performance and increased energy consumption.
Impact Of Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking can cause significant damage to a victim’s device. The malicious code can consume processing power and significantly slow computer performance. Additionally, it can cause increased energy consumption as the code runs in the background while mining for cryptocurrencies. Below are some main potential risks associated with crypto-jacking:
Financial Impact Of Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking can lead to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses. The constant mining of cryptocurrencies puts a massive strain on processing resources, leading to increased electricity consumption. In addition, the overuse of the device’s processing power could lead to damage or premature failure, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
Effect On Performance And Productivity
The hijacking of a device’s resources for mining cryptocurrencies also results in a noticeable degradation in performance. This can manifest as slower response times, frequent crashing, and reduced battery life in mobile devices. This can lead to decreased productivity for businesses as employees struggle with underperforming systems.
Security Vulnerabilities Exposed By Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is not just a threat to financial resources and device performance; it’s also a huge security risk. Once an attacker has gained unauthorized access to a computer or device, they potentially have access to sensitive data stored on it. This raises the stakes significantly, as data breaches can reserve severe reputational damage and legal repercussions.
The Social Consequences Of Cryptojacking
Beyond the immediate impact on the victims, cryptojacking also has broader societal implications. The illicit activity contributes to insecurity and mistrust in digital environments. It also undermines legitimate uses of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, casting them in a negative light due to their association with cybercrime.
Preventing Cryptojacking Attacks
There are several proactive measures that individuals and businesses can take to protect their devices from cryptojacking attacks. Installing and maintaining up-to-date antivirus security software is an essential but crucial step. These applications can detect and use standard scripts used in these attacks. Regular system checks and performance monitoring can also aid in the early detection of unusual activity.
The Role Of Cybersecurity Professionals In Combating Cryptojacking
Cybersecurity professionals play a pivotal role in the battle against cryptojacking. Their expertise is invaluable in identifying, mitigating, and preventing cybersecurity security professionals can detect vulnerabilities and implementing robust security by conducting thorough device and network audit measures.
Cryptojacking | Methods
The main cryptojacking attack methods which hackers use to gain access to a device’s processing power and central processing unit are web-based cryptojacking and malicious application installation. Let’s take a look at each of them in greater detail:
Browser-Based Cryptojacking
Browser-based cryptojacking, as the name implies, happens directly in web browsers. The hacker embeds a malicious JavaScript code into a website, or an online script automatically runs when. When a user visits the infected website or the daily runs, since it doesn’t need to be downloaded, the user may not notice anything unusual while the script mines cryptocurrency using the user’s computing resources.
File-Based Cryptojacking
File-based cryptojacking, on the other hand, involves the hacker embedding the malicious mining script into a file or an application. When the user downloads and runs the infected file, the cryptojacking script is active and starts mining cryptocurrency using the victim’s device resources. This form of cryptojacking is more persistent as it continues to operate as long as the infected file or applauds runs on the victim’s device.
Cryptojacking | Mechanism
Cryptojacking is a deceptively straightforward process. It involves an attacker secretly using a victim’s computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. While this process might seem simple, its mechanism is complex, and understanding it requires a deeper dive into cryptocurrency mining and hacking.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Mining
Before discussing the workings of cryptojacking, it is essential to understand how cryptocurrency mining operates; cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin require a ‘proof-of-work’ system, where ‘miners’ solve intricate mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to the public ledger or blockchain. This successfully mines a block of transcending actions and rewards the miner with new coins.
Understanding The Infiltration Process
In cryptojacking, the attacker essentially offloads the resource-intensive task of crypto mining to the victim’s device without their consent or knowledge. The infiltration process starts with the attacker finding a way to deliver the mining script to the victim’s device. The attacker embeds a small piece of JavaScript code into the target medium.
Web-Based Cryptojacking
In web-based cryptojacking malware, when a victim visits the infected website or clicks on a malicious ad, the embedded script automatically runs on their device. It doesn’t need to be downloaded, making it hard for the victim to detect. As long as the victim keeps the browser open, the script continues to mine cryptocurrency, draining the device’s resources.
File-Based Cryptojacking
In file-based cryptojacking, the attacker embeds the mining script into a file or application. The script activates and silently mines cryptocurrency using the device’s resources when the victim downloads and runs the file.
The Mining Process
Once the cryptojacking script is running, it starts the actual mining process. The victim’s device resources are used to solve complex mathematical problems, validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This process runs in the background, using CPU power and memory, often slowing down the device and causing other performance issues.
Disguising The Attack
One of the keys to a successful cryptojacking attack is to remain undetected for as long as possible. To achieve this, attackers often design the cryptojacking script to be discreet. It might consume only a fraction of the available resources, making it harder to notice. The script might also operate primarily during off-hours when the device is less likely to be used.
The Payoff
The end goal of the activity is profit. The mined cryptocurrency is sent to a wallet controlled by the attacker, who can then use or sell it as they seem; in most the victim cases, completely unaware that their device has been used for illicit mining activities.
How To Identify Cryptojacking?
The most obvious sign of a cryptojacking attack is a noticeably slower device. Cryptojacking scripts consume system resources to mine cryptocurrency, which can cause the victim’s device to slow down or freeze up unexpectedly. Other signs include high CPU and memoranda and increased fan noise due to overwork.
From time to time, users may also notice browser tabs or windows suddenly opening and closing, as many scripts rely on this to keep hidden. In some cases, unsuspicious websites may become infected with malicious cryptojacking code.
Tag Solutions offers robust defense, leveraging advanced threat detection to identify cryptojacking attempts. Their real-time monitoring detects unusual resource spikes, and their expertise removes malware. Employee training enhances awareness, while proactive patch management minimizes vulnerabilities.
Through behavioral analytics, they pinpoint irregularities and establish policies to prevent unauthorized mining. Tag Solutions ensures comprehensive protection, safeguarding systems and data from the detrimental impacts of cryptojacking.
How To Protect Yourself From Cryptojacking?
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from potential cryptojacking attacks is using an antivirus program with a real-time scanner. Such programs can detect and block malicious code before it’s even had the chance to run on your system. Other measures include keeping all software up to date, only downloading from reputable sources, and being extra vigilant when opening emails or clicking links in suspicious messages.
Vigilance and proactive measures are the best defense against cryptojacking attacks. By understanding the threat and taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this form of cybercrime.
- Browser Extensions
Install browser extensionally block cryptojacking scripts, such as No Coin or MinerBlock. These can help to prevent web-based cryptojacking attacks on your device.
- Regular System Checks
Periodically monitor your device’s CPU and memory usage. Unusual spikes could indicate a cryptojacking attack.
- Network Monitoring
Keep an eye on network traffic. A sudden increase in data usage might be a sign of cryptojacking.
- Website Behavior
Be cautious if a website is significantly slower or becomes unresponsive. This might indicate an embedded cryptojacking script.
- Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems
Utilize these security systems to detect unusual activity and potential threats, such as cryptojacking scripts attempting to connect to external mining pools.
- Ad-Blockers
Use reliable ad-blockers to prevent cryptojacking malicious ads that may execute cryptojacking scripts.
- JavaScript Disabling
Consider disabling JavaScript on websites where it’s unnecessary, as many cryptojacking scripts use JavaScript.
- Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the latest cryptojacking to protect your system better system.
- Internet Security Practices
Always follow best internet security practices like not clicking on suspicious links, not downloading unknown files, and not visiting untrusted websites.
- Use A VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to infiltrate your system.
Real-world Cryptojacking Examples
In recent years, cryptojacking has become an increasingly common attack method. In 2018, a massive cryptojacking campaign was discovered to have infected over more than half a million devices worldwide. The attackers used malicious code embedded in websites to mine Monero.
Another notable example occurred in 2019 when hackers hijacked over 2,000 coin cities in Baltimore, Maryland. The attackers used a cryptojacking script to mine cryptocurrency on the devices while avoiding detection.
Cryptojacking is also becoming more popular in the mobile space. In 2019, researchers discovered that several apps were secretly mining cryptocurrency in the background without permission or notification from users; mobile cryptojacking arend to be less resource-intensive and can often go undetected for much longer.
The key takeaway is that cryptojacking attacks are on the rise, and it’s important to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself.
Wrap Up
Cryptojacking is a relatively new form of cyberattack that can be difficult to detect. Understanding the threat and taking the necessary precautions can protect your system from these stealthy attacks. A combination of antivirus programs, monitoring tools, and best internet security practices should help to keep you safe in the digital world.
The rise of cryptojacking has demonstrated just how lucrative the cryptocurrency market is. Unfortunately, it also means more malicious actors are likely to jump on the bandwagon in search of easy profits. Keep in mind that cryptojacking is a rapidly evolving threat. Attackers constantly develop new techniques to circumvent security, so staying up-to-date on the latest developments and trends is essential.
With the proper knowledge and tools, you can be well-prepared against any potential cryptojacking. So be sure to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your data. TAG Solutions is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your system from cryptojacking and other cyberattacks.