Cryptojacking on the Rise

There has been a steep rise in Cryptojacking attacks by cybercriminal groups to infiltrate networks and stealthily mine for coins. With a visible annual increase by 37%, Quick Heal has detected 14.3 Million cases of these attacks through 2022. Large-scale cryptojacking is fast emerging as a popular trend in the Cybercrime scenario.

Let us explore and learn how to protect our digital lives from the rising cyberthreat of cryptojacking.

What is Cryptojacking?

Coin Mining, an otherwise legal activity is a hobby for many, but the problem arises when users employ devious methods to make illicit gains. The systems at risk could be anything starting with websites, PCs, mobiles, servers or cloud infrastructure. Cryptojacking typically takes place through Trojans, but of late hackers are also using tactics like ransomware and infected websites to get others to illegally mine cryptocurrency for them. 

In simple terms, cryptojacking is the act of hijacking somebody’s computing resources without their consent, in order to mine cryptocurrency. 

How can you tell if you’re being Crypto-jacked?

This activity typically takes place in the background with unsuspecting victims being targeted while they use their devices. However, here are 5 indications of your system being compromised.

1. Slowing down of your system performance 
2. Lagging in execution 
3. Overheating of device 
4. Excessive power consumption 
5. Unusually high cloud computing bills

How can I prevent Cryptojacking?

As a business it is important that your company website is not hosting any cryptocurrency mining file. And, as a user here are 5 simple ways to keep your digital world secure from cryptojacking.

5 Ways to Stay Safe from Cryptojacking

1. Stay Alert & don’t open or reply to suspicious emails, texts or links as these could be phishing messages from miners
2. Use Ad blockers as malicious codes may be embedded in pop-ups to gain access to your devices
3. Connect with VPN to surf safely as public wi-fi allows easy entry points for cybercriminals to hack into personal devices.
4. Install Genuine Antivirus software that can predict, detect and prevent any fraudulent activity in your devices
5. Monitor & always investigate any abnormal performance in your device in terms of speed or utility bills. 

Conclusion

You can find out more about the emerging threat trends in our Annual Threat Report 2022. In the meanwhile, staying safe from rogue agents like these starts with YOU and your proactive use of a  CyberSecurity solution. Get yourself a trusted software to secure your digital world.

Quickheal