Cryptojacking is a rising cyber threat where malicious actors hijack computer systems, mobile devices, or IoT gadgets to mine cryptocurrencies without the owner’s knowledge. Unlike ransomware, which is a direct extortion method, cryptojacking is a covert operation that drains a system’s resources, causing significant performance issues.
What is Cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking involves the unauthorized use of someone’s computing power to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Monero. The mining process involves solving complex algorithms to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. Legitimate mining is resource-intensive, requiring substantial computing power and electricity. Cryptojackers, however, bypass these costs by using other people’s systems.
How Does Cryptojacking Work?
Cybercriminals typically infect devices with cryptojacking malware through phishing emails, malicious websites, or infected ads. Once the malware is installed, it runs in the background, using the device’s CPU or GPU to mine cryptocurrency. Signs of cryptojacking include sluggish system performance, overheating, increased fan activity, and high electricity bills.
Onose Enaholo, financial analyst at CoinJournal, said: “Cryptojacking represents a new frontier in cybercrime where the objective is no longer to steal your data or even your money, but to hijack your computer’s processing power. The 399% growth in cryptojacking requires both individuals and organizations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies to include not just the protection of their data, but the protection of their device’s computing power.”
Why is Cryptojacking on the Rise?
- Profitable and Low-Risk: Cryptojacking provides a steady stream of income with minimal risk compared to other cybercrimes. There is no need for interaction with the victim, and detection is challenging since the malware is designed to be discreet.
- Widespread Vulnerability: Any device connected to the internet is vulnerable. This includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even smart home devices like thermostats and security cameras.
- Cryptocurrency Boom: The surge in cryptocurrency values has made mining more lucrative, enticing cybercriminals to expand their operations.
Impact on Businesses
For businesses, cryptojacking can lead to severe consequences. The compromised systems experience degraded performance, which can disrupt operations, lower productivity, and increase maintenance costs. Additionally, the unauthorized consumption of electricity can lead to substantial financial losses.
Case Study: High-Profile Cryptojacking Incidents
Recent incidents highlight the growing threat of cryptojacking. For example, in early 2018, Tesla’s cloud servers were compromised, and the attackers used them to mine cryptocurrency. Similarly, several government websites in the UK were found hosting cryptojacking scripts, impacting thousands of visitors.
How to Protect Against Cryptojacking
Businesses must adopt robust security measures to mitigate the risk of cryptojacking:
- Regular Software Updates: Ensure all systems and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Employee Training: Educate employees about the risks of phishing and safe internet practices.
- Security Software: Use comprehensive security solutions that can detect and block cryptojacking malware.
- Network Monitoring: Implement network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity and high resource usage.
- Ad Blockers: Deploy ad blockers to prevent malicious ads from loading on web browsers.
Conclusion
Cryptojacking is a significant and evolving threat to business technology. Its covert nature makes it difficult to detect and combat, leading to substantial financial and operational impacts. By understanding the mechanisms behind cryptojacking and implementing preventive measures, businesses can protect their systems from this emerging cyber threat.
