Cryptojacking is a type of cybercrime in which cybercriminals use other people's devices to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent. This can be done in a number of ways, such as through malicious links or websites, or by infecting devices with malware.
How does cryptojacking work?
When a device is infected with cryptojacking malware, the malware will typically run in the background and use the device's processing power to mine cryptocurrency. This can slow down the device and make it more sluggish to use. In some cases, it can also lead to increased electricity bills.
How can I protect myself from cryptojacking?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from cryptojacking:
Use a good cybersecurity program. A good cybersecurity program can help to detect and block cryptojacking malware.
Keep your software up to date. Outdated software is more vulnerable to malware, so it's important to keep your software up to date.
Be careful about what links you click on. Don't click on links from unknown senders or on websites that you don't trust.
Use a browser extension that blocks cryptojacking scripts. There are a number of browser extensions available that can block cryptojacking scripts.
What are the signs that my device may be infected with cryptojacking malware?
If you notice any of the following signs, it's possible that your device is infected with cryptojacking malware:
Your device is running slower than usual.
Your device's fan is running more often than usual.
Your battery is draining faster than usual.
You see unfamiliar processes running in your task manager.
If you think that your device may be infected with cryptojacking malware, you should scan your device with a good cybersecurity program and remove any malware that is found.
In addition to the above, here are some other things to keep in mind about cryptojacking:
Cryptojacking can be a serious problem for businesses. If a business's devices are infected with cryptojacking malware, it can slow down the devices and increase the business's electricity bills.
Cryptojacking is becoming increasingly common. As cryptocurrency becomes more popular, so too is cryptojacking.
There is no foolproof way to protect yourself from cryptojacking. However, by following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of being infected.