I think now the terms Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Crypto mining, and BlockChain all these terms are very familiar to you. Right. Because these terms are explained in this blog earlier so if you want to know the details about it then, please use the following link.
Our today’s article is also the content that can become in the cryptocurrency family. But
it is not the member of that family but also a great headache of the family. That
thing is none other than Cryptojacking. I think after heard the term you all
know that why this one is a headache of the family. But some of you have doubts why this one is a headache? So we are here to explain that to you.
Ok first I will
give you some basic details about it. The term cryptojacking is the combination
of two words Crypto mining and Hacking. Here some of you think about “Even you (hackers)
can’t leave cryptocurrency? What a pity?” this one is running on your mind
right. Basically, if there is more money then there is also more crime in that
place. Same like that we already know the value of cryptocurrency, so the crime
around it is also very high.
Hey!!!
Wait!!! I’m new HERE!! So Please EXPLAIN it in detail! And also define the
terms, bitcoin, cryptocurrency, etc.,
Ok, I’ll
recall it all in a simple manner for new users and it also helps the known one
for better understanding.
- Cryptocurrency – Basically, it is a type of virtual currency, same as our physical currency it also has value but compared to physical one it values is very high.
- Bitcoin – It is one of the famous and most used cryptocurrencies.
- Crypto mining – same as gold mining, crypto mining is the way to mine or earn cryptocurrency. Basically, it is the process of solving a complex mathematical problem. Every time you solve it, the system will reward some coins to you. But it needs lots of energy and time.
- Blockchain – basically, it is a decentralized ledger, used to maintain the transaction details of cryptocurrency.
Now you all
understand all the basic terms used in this article right. Ok, let’s mine today’s
topic. Here I will explain the three major points of cryptojacking.
- Definition
- How it works?
- How to protect ourselves against it?
First the
definition part, cryptojacking means the unauthorized use of someone else’s
computer to mine cryptocurrency. It is also known as malicious crypto mining. Same
like many cybercrimes, the major motive of this one is to earn
cryptocurrency, but unlike other threats, it is designed to stay completely hidden
from the victim, and also it doesn’t damage the computer or victim’s data. It simply
steals the CPU processing resources to gain cryptocurrency. In a very simple
manner, the hackers use your resources for their profit.
Now, the
definition part is over, you all understand the basic concept of cryptojacking.
So we next move on to the working process of cryptojacking. How does it affect our system
without our knowledge? It is the most important question that running on our
minds right so here is the answer to that question.
Same as all
the other types of hacking, it also has two primary way to get a victim’s
computer to secretly mine cryptocurrency. One is to trick the user into loading crypto mine code onto their computer. This one is done through phishing
tactics: the user receives the legitimate-looking mail that encourages the
users to click the link on it. When the user clicks the link, then the malicious
code (crypto mine code) starts to run on its own. It runs in the background, so the user is unaware of it.
The other method is to inject a script on a website or an ad that is delivered to multiple
websites. Once the victim visits the website or the infected pop-up ad in the
browser, then the script will automatically execute without the knowledge
victim.
Whichever
the method is used, the hacker will gain access and starts to work for
their benefit. In this one is only 10% of the hacker’s resources is used remaining 90%
of resources are stolen from the victim’s system without their knowledge. So the
final word about this working process is they use minimal resources for their
maximum profit.
I think now
you all know how it affects the system. At the same time, it is growing very
fast because of the growth of cryptocurrency. So we all have the necessity to know the way to protect ourselves from this one. technically said that there
is no way to fully protect ourselves from any of the security threats. But we
can take preventive measures to safeguard ourselves. It is like the
following proverb
“Prevention is better than cure”
According to
this one, before the problem we have to take the following steps to safeguard
our system.
- Proper security system for your device such as the antivirus, firewall, etc.
- Use browser extension that is designed to block coin mining
- Block unwanted sites and ads by using the legitimate ad blocker
- Disable Javascript to block crypto mining code
Apart from this
entire step the simplest one is to educate yourself. Here the doubt comes how
to educate me? For that, here we present the list of issues for better
understanding. So through the following point, you must know how to can detect whether
my system is infected or not.
- A noticeable slowdown in device performance
- Overheating of batteries
- Device shutting down due to lack of available processing power
- Unexpected increases in electricity cost
These are
the signs that occur on the infected system. So always be aware of unknown things
that occur in your device. I think now you all get a better understanding of
the concept. After read all these details you have one doubt, that it will only
use the resource right. Then how it is a serious matter?
Yes, it uses
the victim resources but it steal the cryptocurrency in your wallet also. Even
it uses only the resources, we all know that mining cryptocurrency is a very time
and energy-consuming process based on that your device is used excessively once
it is hacked. So that leads to the breakage. So always aware of the unknown.
So the article is concluded here. I think I’ll
explain it clearly. If you found anything wrong, then let me know through the
comment section.
Thank you
for reading!!
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the content given here is valuable, then share it with your friends and
colleagues.
Once again
thank you for reading!!!