CryptojackingShare

What Is Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a covert cyberattack where hackers exploit another person’s computer, smartphone, or other devices to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent. This malicious activity typically involves the deployment of malware or unauthorized scripts that hijack the device’s processing power to solve complex cryptographic problems required for cryptocurrency mining. The proceeds of the mining are sent directly to the attacker, while the victim bears the costs, including reduced device performance, higher energy consumption, and increased wear and tear on their hardware.

Unlike more overt cybercrimes like ransomware, cryptojacking is designed to remain undetected for as long as possible, allowing hackers to siphon processing power continuously over extended periods. This stealthy nature makes it particularly insidious, as victims are often unaware of the attack and may only notice symptoms like slower device performance, overheating, or increased electricity bills.

How Does Cryptojacking Work

Cryptojacking typically begins with the attacker introducing mining scripts onto a victim’s device. This can happen in several ways:

1. Malicious Downloads: Victims may unknowingly download cryptojacking malware by clicking on phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised software.

2. Web-Based Scripts: Some attackers use JavaScript-based mining scripts embedded in websites. When a victim visits the website, the script runs in their browser, hijacking their processing power for mining until the browser is closed.

3. Compromised Devices in Networks: In some cases, hackers infiltrate entire networks, deploying mining malware across multiple devices, amplifying the mining power available to them.

The attack focuses on utilizing as much of the victim’s processing power as possible without causing immediate detection. Over time, however, the added stress on the device can lead to reduced performance, shortened hardware lifespan, and higher operating costs for the victim.

Examples of Cryptojacking

Let’s say a user unknowingly clicks on a malicious email link that downloads a cryptojacking script onto their laptop.

• What Happens Next: The script installs itself and begins running in the background. It utilizes the laptop’s CPU to mine cryptocurrency like Monero, causing the laptop to slow down significantly, overheat, and consume more electricity than usual.

• Impact on the User: The victim notices their device has become sluggish and the fan is running loudly but has no idea that cryptojacking is the cause. Meanwhile, the attacker profits by mining cryptocurrency without the victim’s consent.

In another scenario, the user visits a website that contains a cryptojacking script. Simply staying on the website causes their device’s processing power to be used for mining until the browser tab is closed.