[Term of the Day]: Cryptojacking
Term of the Day
“Cryptojacking”
Definition — What is Cryptojacking and how can you protect your devices from this?
Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack that allows hackers to use devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, or even servers without the consent or knowledge of the users to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Cryptocurrency has been on the rise in recent years, so it’s no surprise that cryptojacking is also on the rise as hackers continuously come up with new ways to steal computer resources so they can mine for cryptocurrency at the expense of the victim. The new currency is created by using computing power to “mine” cryptocurrency coins. To simplify a bit, if you have a lot of electricity and computing power at your disposal, you can turn it into cryptocurrency. The more devices you have working for you, the faster you can “mine” cryptocurrency.
Cryptojacking made headlines back in 2017 when hackers hit a series of high profile websites (including several operated by the UK and Australian governments).
How do I protect my devices from Cryptojacking?
Though Cryptojacking is relatively new, it has already become one of the most common online threats. Cryptojacking software is fundamentally just another form of malware. Whether you face cryptojacking locally on your system or through your browser, it can be difficult to detect the intrusion once it has taken place.
With all other malware precautions, it is much better to install security software before you become a victim. One obvious option is to block JavaScript in the browser you use to surf. While this interferes with drive-by cryptojacking, it may also prevent you from using the features you need and prefer.
Cryptocurrency has been on the rise in recent years, so it’s no surprise that cryptojacking is also on the rise as hackers continuously come up with new ways to steal computer resources so they can mine for cryptocurrency at the expense of the victim. The new currency is created by using computing power to “mine” cryptocurrency coins. To simplify a bit, if you have a lot of electricity and computing power at your disposal, you can turn it into cryptocurrency. The more devices you have working for you, the faster you can “mine” cryptocurrency.
Cryptojacking made headlines back in 2017 when hackers hit a series of high profile websites (including several operated by the UK and Australian governments).
How do I protect my devices from Cryptojacking?
Though Cryptojacking is relatively new, it has already become one of the most common online threats. Cryptojacking software is fundamentally just another form of malware. Whether you face cryptojacking locally on your system or through your browser, it can be difficult to detect the intrusion once it has taken place.
With all other malware precautions, it is much better to install security software before you become a victim. One obvious option is to block JavaScript in the browser you use to surf. While this interferes with drive-by cryptojacking, it may also prevent you from using the features you need and prefer.
Exercise caution while accepting cookies and extensions from unknown/untrusted sources and use a privacy checker addon to verify websites' trust.
There are also special programs, such as “No Coin” and “MinerBlock”, that block mining activity in popular browsers. Both offer extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. In the current versions of Opera, No Coin is even integrated.
There are also special programs, such as “No Coin” and “MinerBlock”, that block mining activity in popular browsers. Both offer extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. In the current versions of Opera, No Coin is even integrated.