Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking is a cybercrime where an attacker uses another person's device to mine cryptocurrency without consent, often via malware.
Cryptojacking involves the unauthorized use of a victim's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. Attackers typically infect devices with malware that runs a cryptocurrency mining script, often without the user's knowledge. Infections can occur through infected software downloads, malvertising, or exploited vulnerabilities. The malware uses the device's CPU/GPU to perform hash computations for a chosen cryptocurrency, providing rewards to the attacker while the victim experiences slower performance and higher energy consumption. Cryptojacking can target desktops, smartphones, and IoT devices, and may also occur via browser-based mining scripts that execute within a compromised webpage. Effective defense includes software updates, ad-blocking, secure software development practices, and monitoring for unusual resource usage.
graph LR
Center["Cryptojacking"]:::main
Rel_cryptographic_hashing["cryptographic-hashing"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_cryptographic_hashing "/terms/cryptographic-hashing"
Rel_cryptocurrency_investigations["cryptocurrency-investigations"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_cryptocurrency_investigations "/terms/cryptocurrency-investigations"
Rel_blockchain_forensics["blockchain-forensics"]:::related -.-> Center
click Rel_blockchain_forensics "/terms/blockchain-forensics"
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classDef child fill:#0f172a,stroke:#10b981,color:#94a3b8,rx:5,ry:5;
classDef related fill:#0f172a,stroke:#8b5cf6,stroke-dasharray: 5 5,color:#94a3b8,rx:5,ry:5;
linkStyle default stroke:#4b5563,stroke-width:2px;
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of a victim's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency, typically through malware that runs a mining script without the user's knowledge.
How do attackers spread cryptojacking malware?
Through infected software downloads, malicious advertisements (malvertising), compromised browser extensions, or exploited vulnerabilities.
What are the typical impacts on victims?
Slower device performance, increased power consumption, higher electricity costs, and potential degradation of hardware over time.
Which cryptocurrencies are commonly mined in cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of a victim's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. It is typically achieved through malware that runs a mining script without the user's knowledge.
How can I defend against cryptojacking?
Keep software updated, use reputable security tools, block malicious ads, monitor CPU usage, and disable browser-based mining scripts when possible.
How can cryptojacking be detected?
Watch for unusual CPU/GPU usage, unfamiliar processes, and mining pool network connections; verify system process names and run security scans.