What is Cryptojacking? Detection and Preventions Techniques

Have you ever heard of cryptojacking? No? But you’d better know the definition in advance to avoid asking, “What is cryptojacking?” after you have already become a victim.

Cryptojacking is a new and emerging form of cyber attack that allows cybercriminals to secretly use a victim’s computer to mine cryptocurrency.

In this blog, we’ll look at what cryptojacking is, how it works, and some ways it can be prevented. We’ll also share some true tales of cryptojacking, so you can see how it affects you by making you stand gaping. Let’s get started!!!

What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking or Malicious Cryptomining is a cybercrime or threat in which another party’s computing resources are hijacked to mine cryptocurrency. To make it short, Imagine your computer device is betraying you, and your resources are used by someone else to earn money. And consider you being paid for it. This is what cryptojacking does.

The reason for cryptojacking is, of course, money. We know the value of cryptocurrency, and it keeps changing daily. So having cryptocurrency is a kind of pride, and selling them would make you earn a luxurious life. Cryptojacking is an effective and inexpensive way to mine valuable coins.

Why is Cryptojacking so Popular?

According to reports, cryptojacking was the most prevalent cybersecurity threat in 2021. The category logged 97.1 million cryptojacking coin miners in the same year. While another report by SonicWall found that 2021 was the worst year up to date for cryptojacking attacks.

True Tales

The WatchDog target API endpoints and Redis servers on Docker Engine

A multi-stage cryptojacking attack was detected by the security research team at Cado Labs. The attack was made targeting Docker Engine API endpoints and Redis servers. Executed by the WatchDog attack group and had been active in late 2021 and 2022 with various cryptojacking campaigns.

Alibaba ECS instances in crypto mining crosshairs

TeamTNT is the first hacking group to switch cryptojacking to focus on cloud-based services. TrendMicro researchers in late 2021 reported that they, along with rivals like the Kinsig gang, conducted cryptojacking campaigns that installed miners in Alibaba Elastic Computing Service (ECS) instances while disabling security features to avoid detection.

Miner bots & backdoors utilize Log4J to attack VMware Horizon servers.

In 2022, the Log4 Shell vulnerability aided cryptojacking attackers. Sophos researchers discovered earlier this year that a crowd of attackers was targeting VMware Horizon servers to deliver a variety of cryptojacking payloads, including the z0Miner, the JavaX miner. In addition, there are at least two XMRig variants, Jin and Mimu cryptocurrency miner bots.

Cryptocurrency farm found in the warehouse.

Crypto hackers are sometimes willing to go to great lengths to steal processing power and energy, and network resources from corporate infrastructure. The past year, Darktrace analysts spotlighted its client’s experience where they exposed a crypto mining farm in a warehouse disguised inside an unassuming cardboard box. The box contains a stealthy rig running multiple GPUs hooked into the company’s network power.

How Cryptojacking Works?

Crypto hackers use more than one way to back your computer. One method is malware. You are asked or indirectly forced to click a malicious link, and it loads crypto-mining codes into your computer. And once the computer is hacked, crypto hackers start working on it and mine/steal your coins while staying hidden in the background.

Another method used by crypto hackers is called drive-by crypto mining. This method involves embedded javascript code into the webpage. After enforcing the code, it starts Mining on user machines that visit the page. The process will take place not only while you are staying there. The process will continue even after you leave the site.

Some attackers combine strategies for maximum profits. For example, out of 100 cryptocurrency miners, 10% could be earning from code on the target machines, while 90% gain through web browsers.

How to Know if You Are Cryptojacked

You may never realize that you have been hacked or become a victim because most cryptojacking software is designed to stay hidden from the user. But some signs indicate you have been hacked.

Signs that indicate you have been cryptojacked

How to Prevent your Computer from Cryptojacking

It is better to prevent crypto jacking than fight its consequences, as it has simple prevention methods. Here are the ways to prevent crypto jacking.

Endnotes

While some methods of Cryptojacking are more sophisticated than others, the end goal is always the same: illegal mining of cryptocurrency. This article has provided an overview of cryptojacking, how it works, and some signs that indicate you may have been a victim.

Besides we have also discussed some prevention methods that you can follow to escape from being a victim. If you suspect that you have been Cryptojacked, be sure to follow the prevention methods.

FAQ

Cryptojacking is a new and emerging form of cyber attack that allows cybercriminals to secretly use a victim’s computer to mine cryptocurrency.

Meet The Author

Shamseena Shamsudheen

Crypto strategist

Shamseena is a crypto strategist with an extensive knowledge on crypto aspects who is able to fragment complex content into simple and understandable words for those who want to explore crypto.With a keen interest in researching, she concentrates on writing about trending topics that provide readers with updated information. She is also well-versed in blockchain technology.

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