Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a cybercrime that uses the victim’s computing power for generating cryptocurrency without the victim’s knowledge. The attackers use malware to get into the system of the victims. Especially in web-based cryptojacking, which currently is the most common way, the malware runs on a website’s scripts, and they are hard to notice compared to the malware that only works when downloaded to your computer.

Web-based Cryptojacking

In the web-based version of cryptojacking, the websites generally mine Monero coins from the visitors’ computers. This cryptocurrency is common in cryptojacking because it is easy to mine and has more privacy than other popular cryptocurrencies. A famous example of web-based cryptojacking is the CoinHive.

Learn more about privacy-based coins to wider your understanding.

CoinHive Case and Cryptojacking

• Launched in 2017, CoinHive is a javascript crypto miner. It can also be used as a tool for other websites. CoinHive team stated that their main idea for developing this project was website could monetize without requiring ads.
• The creators of CoinHive took 30 percent of the coins that were mined, and 70 percent went to the users of CoinHive. However, many of the websites that used this tool did not ask permission for their visitors.
• In the end, the script of malware is blacklisted with the help of cryptocurrency cybersecurity units, and this kind of malware can easily detect.

Interested in the crimes on the crypto world? Learn about crypto hacks of all times.

Signs of Your Device is Used for Cryptojacking

• Increased CPU usage: It is the most common way to notice a cryptojacking. If the website is not using a lot of media and your CPU usage looks increased in the task manager, it may be a sign that attackers are using your computer to mining.
• Increased heat levels: Because the cryptojacking malware uses computational power, the heat of the users’ computers will increase. High heat levels may damage victims’ computer parts. The fans of the computer will work harder to decrease the heat levels. Therefore, loud fan noise is also another sign of cryptojacking.