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What is Cryptojacking?​

Cryptojacking is a type of cybercrime where unauthorized individuals use someone else's computer, smartphone, tablet, or server to mine cryptocurrency. This unauthorized mining typically happens without the victim's knowledge or consent, and it can occur through malware infections or by running malicious scripts on websites.

Here are the main ways cryptojacking occurs:
  1. Malware-Based Cryptojacking: Attackers distribute malware designed to covertly mine cryptocurrency on the victim's device. This malware can be spread through phishing emails, infected downloads, or other malicious software. Once installed, the malware uses the infected device's processing power to perform the computational work required for cryptocurrency mining.
  2. Browser-Based Cryptojacking (Coin Mining Scripts): In this method, attackers inject malicious JavaScript code into websites. When users visit these sites, the script runs in the background of their web browser, using their device's resources to mine cryptocurrency. This can happen without any installation or download, making it harder for users to detect.

Impact of Cryptojacking:
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  • Reduced Performance: Cryptojacking consumes significant computational power, which can slow down the affected device, degrade performance, and increase electricity usage.
  • Increased Wear and Tear: Prolonged cryptojacking can lead to increased wear and tear on the hardware, potentially shortening the lifespan of the affected device.
  • Financial Costs: While the individual impact on a single user's electricity bill might be small, the cumulative effect across many infected devices can lead to significant costs. For businesses, cryptojacking can increase operational expenses and degrade the performance of servers and networks.
  • Security Risks: The presence of cryptojacking malware indicates a security breach, which might also expose the device to other malicious activities or data theft.

Protection Against Cryptojacking:

  • Use Security Software: Install and regularly update security software that can detect and block cryptojacking scripts and malware.
  • Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions are specifically designed to block cryptojacking scripts.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cryptojacking.
  • Monitor System Performance: Unusual spikes in CPU usage, overheating, or slower performance can be signs of cryptojacking. Monitoring these metrics can help identify potential infections.
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Cryptojacking has become a popular method for cybercriminals to generate revenue because it doesn't require stealing data or holding systems hostage, making it less likely to be noticed and more challenging to trace back to the perpetrators.
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