Cryptojacking, also known as illegal crypto mining, is when someone hijacks another user’s cryptocurrency without paying. In this article, we’ll be learning all about cryptojacking and how to prevent it.
Cryptocurrencies can be gotten by users through mining and even purchase. These two ways have been known to be the most efficient means of acquiring currency. It is no longer news that cryptocurrency is currently the new hit as it continues to appreciate in value with every passing minute.
Since cryptocurrencies use a distributed ledger called blockchain, the digital database is updated with information about each transaction that has taken place since the last update.
Apparently, crypto mining as highly rewardable as it is makes use of a massive amount of electricity and expensive equipment.
Seeing this venture's profitability, attackers worldwide are constantly looking for new ways to acquire cryptocurrency without spending a dime through the use of malicious software. This act is a cybercrime known as cryptojacking.
What is cryptojacking
The term cryptojacking was coined from two words, “cryptocurrency” and “hijacking”. Cryptojacking is the illegal use of another person's computing power for bitcoin mining.
Hackers aim to gain control of whatever system they can, from personal computers to servers to cloud services, all in an attempt to mine cryptocurrency using someone else's resources without due permission
In most cases, the cryptojacking code operates stealthily in the background as its victims go about their daily business on their computers.
The only effect that they might observe are a decrease in performance, delays in execution, overheating, excessive power usage, or cloud computing expenses that are significantly higher than usual.
How Cryptojacking works
Cryptomining is basically the process of creating new cryptocurrencies. These cryptocurrencies are encrypted digital money built on the ledger technology known as a blockchain.
Transactions on a blockchain produce difficult mathematical riddles that must be solved before the transaction can be authenticated and finished. Miners are the individuals who solve the encrypted riddles, validate the transactions, and earn bitcoin as a reward for their efforts.
Cryptojacking takes advantage of a victim's computing power to perform the complex mathematical operations required to mine cryptocurrency and send the results to the crypto hacker's server.
Cryptojacking is a form of malware that, unlike other types of malware, is not meant to do damage to the equipment or data of its victims. Instead, its purpose is to exploit its victims' resources for as long as possible without being discovered.
Cryptojackers consume a negligible portion of the processing power of their victims while simultaneously targeting a vast number of users. The software operates stealthily in the background, discreetly diverting the processing power of victims toward unauthorized crypto-mining activities.
Basically, cryptojacking is done through two major attack modes and sometimes a combination of both depending on the creativity of the crypto hacker. The two attack modes are “Host-based” and “Web browser” infection.
The host-based attack uses malware that got downloaded into a victim’s system, while Web browser attacks embedded crypto-mining software on a website that runs when a victim visits that particular website.
Both approaches to the assault consist of the following stages:
- Script preparation: A hacker produces a crypto mining plan or script which will be used to infect a device or website
- Script infection: A victim’s device is compromised or the website is infected when they click on a link and unintentionally download crypto mining software.
- Attack: After being executed, the crypto mining script starts putting the victim's computational capabilities to use by running crypto mining software. The criminal online has control over the amount of electricity that is siphoned off of the victim's device and sent to the illegal mining operation.
Now, aside from the two attack measures mentioned above, cryptojacker’s can take on various attacks based on the situation at hand or their creativity. Some of these other attack methods include;
Endpoint Assaults
Resources are accessed by giving endpoint users a phishing email with a link to a crypto-mining script. Injecting a script on a website or ad delivered to several websites is another way. The script executes when victims visit the website or see the infected ad. Victims' computers have no code.
Cloud computing
As a result of the scalability of cloud resources, cryptojacking businesses are breaking into cloud infrastructure and tapping into an even more exhaustive collection of computing pools to support mining operations.
How to detect cryptojacking
The detection of cryptojacking is not simple, despite the fact that it is essential. This is due to the many ways cryptojacking is distinct from traditional malware. It is feasible for you to detect it early if you remain watchful and keep an eye out for the various indicators that are outlined below.
- Cybercriminals don't control their victims like they do with traditional malware. Instead, they use the power of the victim's computer. Since people tend to trust trustworthy websites and don't expect their devices to be mined without their permission, malware can be used on or added to those websites to make them look like they are safe.
- Because of the demands that the cryptojacking process places on the resources available, computing equipment runs the risk of overheating, which can shorten the computers' lifespans or cause them to malfunction. The fact that the computer is getting too hot could be an indication that there is a problem with the equipment.
- Computers that are working poorly, such as those with slow processing rates or apps that crash frequently, may be the result of cryptojacking.
- When a user stays on a website, cryptojacking scripts make the CPU work harder. So, using your computer's Task Manager to check how your CPU is being used could let you know if something unauthorized is running on your device right now.
- No matter what kind of device the traffic is coming from, network monitoring tools have the potential to be an extremely helpful resource for identifying suspicious patterns of online and outbound C2 traffic that may be the result of cryptojacking.
How to prevent cryptojacking
Of course, prevention is always better than cure, even though it can be difficult to determine whether or not your computer system has been hijacked by cryptojacking, there are several steps that you can take to prevent these assaults and protect your computer, networking systems, and crypto-assets:
- Disable Javascript: Turn off JavaScript when you surf the web to stop cryptojacking code from infecting the computers in your organization. Remember that if you turn off JavaScript, some of the functions you need when browsing also stops working.
- Use anti-crypto mining extensions: Web browsers are often the platforms on which cryptojacking scripts are executed. Use browser extensions such as No Coin, minerBlock, and Anti Minder to prevent cryptocurrency miners from operating anywhere on the internet.
- Use ad-blockers: Web ads often have cryptojacking scripts inside of them. Use an ad blocker to find malicious crypto mining code and block it.
- Patch and harden servers: Cryptojackers aim for easy targets, such as publicly exposed servers with outdated flaws. Basic server hardening includes patching, cutting off unnecessary services, and restricting external footprints. This would go a long way toward minimizing the risk of server-based attacks.
- Employ strong endpoint protection: Using endpoint protection and anti-malware that is able to detect crypto miners is key, along with keeping web filters up to date and managing browser extensions to reduce the likelihood of browser-based scripts being executed. In an ideal world, companies should search for endpoint protection technologies that can expand their coverage to include servers and even further.
- Stay up to date: The threat posed by cryptojacking is one that is constantly evolving, and it is important for users to remain informed about the most recent methods of attack so that they are aware of any potential vulnerabilities.
Final thoughts
Cybercriminals slash mining overhead by simply stealing computer energy resources. As a miner, you should be able to outsmart these seemingly smart criminals and prevent any further theft of your resources.