{"id":502,"date":"2023-04-12T06:54:37","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T06:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/?p=502"},"modified":"2023-07-14T07:40:13","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T07:40:13","slug":"what-is-cryptojacking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/articles\/what-is-cryptojacking\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Cryptojacking: All You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cryptojacking is a form of cyberattack<\/a> that uses javascript<\/strong> to secretly use a computer\u2019s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies<\/strong>. As cryptocurrency is all the rage these days, cryptojacking is also becoming more common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will break down everything you need to know about cryptojacking \u2013 what it is, how it works, and the steps you can take to safeguard your computer against potential attacks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into it, let\u2019s talk about cryptocurrencies. Initially created as an alternative to traditional currencies, crypto gained traction in global markets for being anonymous, as well as for its potential to grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bitcoin debuted in 2009 and would grow to become one of the most successful cryptocurrencies. And while Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most well-known coins, there are actually over 18,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All cryptocurrencies are decentralized monetary units<\/strong> that can be transferred freely between participants in a network. In other words, cryptocurrency exists as units of electricity that are converted into code and have a monetary value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Cryptojacking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cryptocurrencies are created through a process called mining<\/strong>, where computers solve complex mathematical problems to release new coins<\/strong>. But while mining can be a lucrative endeavor, it can also be quite dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cryptojacking is a type of malicious attack that seeks to hack into a mobile device or personal computer and install software that mines cryptocurrencies, often without the original user\u2019s knowledge.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It presents a cyber threat and employs the resources of the hacked device to mine cryptocurrencies for the attackers. There is usually a cloud of anonymity around cryptojacking, meaning that unlike with other forms of cyber and crypto fraud, victims sometimes never learn they have been compromised<\/strong>. Cryptojacking doesn\u2019t typically affect an individual\u2019s crypto balances; it just focuses on mining new units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cryptojacking attack may also be referred to as malicious cryptomining, as hackers gain access to devices through rogue apps and browser downloads. Virtually all kinds of devices can be compromised<\/strong>, from desktop PCs and laptops to smartphones and even network servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Cryptojacking Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Victims will either get an email or use a browser or website they are familiar with. An email will show a link that will, upon clicking, infect the device with cryptomining code. In the case of websites or online ads infected by JavaScript code, it\u2019s enough to allow them to load in a browser. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In complex cases, source codes are used to get access to servers<\/strong>. Once the hackers have found their way into devices or cloud services, when a user clicks a link<\/strong> that has seemingly no action, the cryptomining code is installed onto the device\u2019s backend<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cryptojackers use the obtained access to drain power or other apps and processes on the device, using the code to calculate hashes, which are cryptographic functions used to map the data. Once the mining is done, the crypto coins are sent to the cryptojacker\u2019s wallets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Cryptojacking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cryptojacking has existed as far back as the bitcoin boom era, and there are three major ways cryptojackers hijack the computing resources of unwitting victims. Cryptojacking can be carried out through what may seem like malware infection<\/a>, hacking into IT infrastructure, or cloud service hijacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n