Introduction

Cryptojacking is a type of cyberattack where attackers use the victim's hardware resources without permission to mine cryptocurrencies. It has become a serious threat in the world of digital currencies, making awareness crucial for both users and businesses.

What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking refers to a cybercrime where computing power is stolen from devices without the user’s consent. This attack often involves installing malware or malicious scripts. For example, clicking on unsafe links in phishing emails or visiting suspicious websites can compromise the system. Hackers install malware, turning the victim’s device into a cryptocurrency mining node.

Because mining certain cryptocurrencies like Monero does not require powerful devices, such attacks are more common. Hackers target computers, laptops, servers, and even cloud infrastructure. According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), cryptojacking was the third most common cybersecurity threat in 2021 and remains a significant global malware threat.

Types of Cryptojacking Methods

System Infection via Malware:

Attackers send phishing emails with infected attachments or unsafe downloads, installing cryptocurrency mining malware on victims' devices. These programs run in the background, consuming system resources without the user’s knowledge.

Malicious Website Scripts:

Malicious JavaScript code is injected into compromised websites. As soon as users visit the site, the mining process begins. Users unknowingly become miners.

Fake Wallets:

Some fake cryptocurrency wallets are designed to steal sensitive information and infect the victim's device for mining.

Infected Browser Extensions:

Certain browser extensions contain malicious code that hijacks system resources for mining after installation.

Cloud Data Center Attacks:

Attackers gain unauthorized access to cloud services and use massive computing power for cryptocurrency mining.

Infected Smart Devices (IoT):

Smart devices like security cameras and routers are also vulnerable to cryptojacking attacks.

Three Notable Cryptojacking Cases

Coinhive Attack:

One of the most infamous cryptojacking cases where JavaScript scripts were used to compromise websites and mine Monero (XMR).

Smominru Malware:
A large-scale botnet that infected hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide, exploiting their processing power for cryptocurrency mining.

Tesla Attack:
Tesla’s cloud systems were exploited in a cyberattack that led to unauthorized cryptocurrency mining using their computational power.

Cryptocurrencies Mined Through Cryptojacking

Monero (XMR): The most popular cryptocurrency among cybercriminals due to its anonymity features.

Ethereum (ETH): Attractive because it can be mined using graphic cards.

Zcash (ZEC): Valued for its high privacy features.

Aeternity (AE): Mined using specialized algorithms.

Why Is Combating Cryptojacking Important?

High Resource Consumption: Cryptojacking attacks can use up CPU, memory, and electricity, leading to reduced system performance.

Increased Energy Costs: High computational resource consumption results in increased electricity bills.

Hardware Damage: Continuous resource usage may cause premature hardware failure.

Signs to Watch For:

System Slowdown: Excessive CPU usage.

Device Overheating: Persistent overheating and increased fan speed.

Unusual Power Consumption: Unexpectedly high electricity bills.

Software Malfunctions: Improper application and operating system performance.

Strange Browser Behavior: Automatic opening of suspicious web pages.

Recommendations to Prevent Cryptojacking

Install Reliable Antivirus Software: Use updated and reputable security software.

Keep Systems and Software Updated: Prevent potential security breaches by applying updates regularly.

Use Anti-Mining Browser Extensions: Install extensions like NoScript and MinerBlock on your browser.

Use a Strong Firewall: Detect and block suspicious traffic.

Network Security Management: Use security management tools like IDS and SIEM.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.

Conclusion

Cryptojacking is one of the most significant cybersecurity threats in the world of digital currencies, with severe financial and security consequences. Awareness and implementing security measures can be highly effective in preventing these attacks.