What Is Cryptojacking: Everything You Need To Know About It

Cryptojacking, also known as malicious crypto mining, is a type of cyberattack in which a hacker secretly installs software on a computer or mobile device to exploit its processing power for mining cryptocurrency—without the user’s knowledge or consent. While cryptojacking has been around for several years, its prevalence has surged recently due to evolving trends and increased activity in the cryptocurrency industry.

So, what exactly is cryptojacking? How does it work? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself from falling victim to it? In this article, we’ll explore these questions in detail and provide valuable insights for investors and users navigating the digital asset space.

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What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is a form of cybercrime in which cyber criminals illicitly use devices—such as computers, smartphones, tablets, or even servers—to mine cryptocurrency without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Like many cyberattacks, the primary motive is financial gain. However, what sets cryptojacking apart is its stealth: it is specifically designed to operate undetected in the background, making it difficult for victims to realize their systems have been compromised.

For attackers, cryptojacking is essentially a way to generate free income by exploiting the processing power of someone else’s device. The hijacked device is used to perform the complex calculations required to mine cryptocurrency. The digital assets mined through this process can then be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies or traditional fiat currency on trading platforms.

Even if the attacker has no immediate plans to spend the stolen cryptocurrency, they can still profit by depositing it into decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols such as liquidity pools, where they earn passive rewards. As DeFi continues to grow, the appeal and prevalence of cryptojacking have risen accordingly—posing a growing threat to individuals and organizations alike.

How does Cryptojacking Work?

Cryptojacking typically operates through two primary methods: malware-based attacks and drive-by cryptomining. In both cases, the objective is the same—to hijack a device’s processing power for unauthorized cryptocurrency mining—without the user’s awareness.

In a malware-based cryptojacking attack, the process begins much like other forms of cyber intrusion. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically unfolds:

• The victim receives a phishing email containing a malicious link or attachment, which may appear completely harmless or even legitimate.

• Once the link is clicked or the file is opened, cryptomining malware is silently installed on the system.

• This malware runs a mining script in the background, covertly taking over part—or in some cases, all—of the device’s processing resources.

• The hijacked computing power is then directed toward solving complex mathematical problems required for mining cryptocurrency.

• Any cryptocurrency mined is automatically funneled into the attacker’s digital wallet.

• The user often remains unaware, as the malware is designed to avoid detection and allows the device to function relatively normally—albeit more slowly.

Unlike ransomware, which reveals itself by locking files and demanding payment, cryptojacking hides in plain sight, quietly draining computing resources and degrading device performance over time.

Drive-by cryptomining, on the other hand, has its roots in a once-legitimate concept. Originally, some websites disclosed that they would temporarily use a visitor’s CPU power to mine cryptocurrency as an alternative to displaying ads. Mining would cease once the user left the site.

However, this idea evolved into malicious drive-by cryptomining, where websites now embed mining scripts without user consent. When a user visits such a site, the script runs automatically—either within the browser or by silently installing additional code on the device. In more sophisticated cases, the mining process can persist even after the browser is closed or the user has navigated away from the page.

Moreover, certain cryptojacking malware variants function similarly to worm-style viruses. Once inside a network, they can spread laterally from one device to another, enslaving multiple systems and forming a hidden, distributed mining operation that consumes extensive resources and severely impacts network performance.

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Types of cryptojacking

These are the most common ways attackers can steal your resources to make money through cryptojacking:

How to Protect Yourself against Cryptojacking?

Defending cryptojacking can be challenging, as the malicious activity is often designed to remain hidden or mimic legitimate processes running on your device. However, there are several effective strategies you can use to protect yourself and minimize the risk:

Install a Robust Cybersecurity Solution

Using a comprehensive cybersecurity program—such as Kaspersky Total Security, Bitdefender, or Norton 360—can help detect and block cryptojacking attempts across your system. These solutions are equipped to identify suspicious mining behavior and offer real-time protection against various forms of malware. As with all cybersecurity measures, prevention is more effective than remediation, so it’s critical to install such software before any infection occurs. Additionally, always ensure your operating system, web browsers, and applications are updated with the latest security patches to close potential vulnerabilities.

Stay Informed About Emerging Threats

Cybercriminals continually evolve their tactics, using obfuscated code and new delivery mechanisms to bypass traditional defenses. By staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity news and cryptojacking trends, you’ll be better equipped to recognize signs of compromise and respond proactively. Following threat intelligence blogs, subscribing to security bulletins, and engaging with reputable cybersecurity forums can help you stay ahead.

Use Browser Extensions That Block Cryptojacking Scripts

Since many cryptojacking attacks originate from the browser, installing specialized extensions can be an effective defense. Tools like minerBlock, No Coin, and Anti Miner are designed to detect and block known cryptomining scripts. These extensions are available for popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox and can significantly reduce the risk of drive-by mining.

Enable Ad Blockers

Cryptojacking scripts are frequently distributed through malicious advertisements, a method known as malvertising. Installing a reputable ad blocker—such as AdBlock Plus or uBlock Origin—can help intercept and prevent these ads from executing harmful scripts. This not only improves your browsing experience but also adds an extra layer of protection.

Disable JavaScript (With Caution)

Disabling JavaScript in your browser can prevent many types of cryptojacking scripts from running. However, doing so can also disrupt the functionality of legitimate websites, as JavaScript is essential for many web-based features. This method is best used selectively or within a hardened security environment.

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