Prevent Cryptojacking

Methods explained on how you can prevent and deal with cryptojacking

The continued rise in interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has far-reaching implications that go beyond the potential use of digital money and how it is mined. Unfortunately, hackers have expanded into illicit crypto mining via a new type of attack known as "cryptojacking" malware.

In this article, we will understand what is Cryptojacking and various methods to prevent cryptojacking. Read to learn more about attacks in detail.

What Is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is a new online threat that employs malicious code to trick your computer into mining digital currencies for someone else. Cryptojacking, according to Interpol, is any activity that "secretly uses a victim's computing power to generate cryptocurrency."

In other words, instead of using their own resources to build their digital wallet, these web jackers use yours, saving them money on hardware investment and energy commitment (no big electricity bills to worry about!). They intend to use a number of personal computers, such as yours, to create a distributed network, rather than a large-scale crypto-mining enterprise, which would necessitate a lot of space, hardware, power, and supervision.

How Does Crypto Jacking Work?

Threat actors can gain access to your device and secretly install malicious crypto-mining scripts in a variety of ways.

The most common methods are very similar to other types of malware in that they infiltrate your PC through online interactions, particularly with web browsers and email clients. Simply clicking a malicious link in an unsolicited email or on an unfamiliar website is enough to allow a cryptojacking script into your system.

There are also various types of cryptojacking, each with its own method of infecting your device. The first involves traditional malware and malicious link scams, while the second takes advantage of an open web page to co-opt resources while you're browsing. The latter is frequently more difficult to detect and stop.

How To Stop and Prevent Cryptojacking

Proper oversight is the most effective way to protect your device from cryptojackers or other types of malware. What that entails depends on your typical usage, but there are a few general guidelines that any user should adhere to.

Consider informing everyone else involved about the threat if you need to protect additional devices at home or work. To prevent cryptojacking, you should also seek assistance from your company's IT department or enterprise services.

MAINTAIN YOUR BROWSER

Most users only need a few quick notes for browser maintenance. To begin, ensure that your browser is up to date so that you have basic protection against the most recent cryptojacking scripts. These updates do not guarantee complete security, but they do provide the most recent browser security changes.

Also, keep an eye on your browser extensions. Cryptomining malware is frequently packaged as apps or browser extensions that you may add to your system knowingly or unknowingly. Whether you use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another browser, research any unfamiliar apps - and delete anything you didn't download yourself.

BLOCK KNOWN SOURCES AND COIN-JACKING SITES

Block sites that you know or suspect of using cryptojacking scripts using your browser settings. The origins of cryptojacking can be traced back to software designed to passively mine cryptocurrency when a willing visitor navigates to their website. Cryptomining replaces pop-ups or embedded advertisements as a source of revenue in this scenario.

You can keep a running list of no-go websites if your browser supports blocking individual websites. Typically, suspicious URLs can be added to an index via the browser's security or general settings. Your browser may even have a dedicated blocking extension.

INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS AND MALWARE PREVENTION SOFTWARE

The best way to prevent attacks is to install, update, and run a cybersecurity program on your device. Some work passively, while others may require you to run scans and apply new updates regularly. You can use tools such as McAfee Total Protection, Bitdefender, and Webroot.