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As a form of cybercrime, “cryptojacking” includes the illegal use of victims’ equipment (personal computers, mobile phones, tablets, and even servers) to “mine” for bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. A victim’s computer may be infected with cryptojacking software via phishing, code download from fraudulent websites, or other malicious techniques. Cryptojacking can also occur via code embedded in digital advertizements or web pages that are only activated when the victim visits a particular website.
Why should you be worried about hackers cryptojacking your devices?
A sluggish computer and a larger electricity bill are classic indicators of cryptojacking attacks on a personal laptop used at home. Targeted crypto mining on a massive scale might cause severe damage to a business. System failures and downtime impair sales and corporate productivity and transform expensive, high-performance servers into costly, low-performance servers. As computational resources are diverted from their intended use to suit the needs of cryptocurrency miners, operational costs inevitably increase. Furthermore, the presence of cryptocurrency mining software on the network is indicative of more serious cybersecurity concern.
How to tell if your devices have been Cryptojacked?
The objective of cryptojacking is to mine more cryptocurrency while going undetected for as long as possible. Cryptojacking malware is made to utilize as much power as it requires while remaining undetected. There are several indicators that cryptojacking malware has been installed on your computer. Some of these are:
- Slower working of devices
The efficiency of computing devices is lowered by cryptojacking. Be wary of gadgets that operate slowly, crash, or have particularly poor performance. You should also pay attention to decreased system performance. Batteries that deplete more quickly than they normally would are another sign.
- Increase in heat dissipation by the processor and CPU fan
If your computer gets too hot, which might be the result of a cryptojacking website or software, the fan will speed up to cool things down. A cryptojacking script may be present on a website or computer if the user notices that their device is overheating and the CPU fan is constantly operating at a greater speed.
- Heavy utilization of CPU or computational resources
If your CPU usage goes up when you visit a site with few or no media files, this could be a sign that cryptojacking scripts are running. You can test for cryptojacking by keeping an eye on how much the CPU is being used. You can use the Activity Monitor or Task Manager to check this.
- Quicker battery discharge
Due to an increase in CPU utilization and fan speed, the power consumption of devices and computing systems increases dramatically. This causes the battery to deplete faster. Therefore, if you observe that the device’s battery is draining quickly, this could be a symptom of cryptojacking
- Increased electricity costs due to cryptojacking
An increase in power consumption by the infected devices leads to higher electricity usage. An unexpected spike in electric power consumption can also be a possible indicator of devices being infected by cryptojacking malware
Centex Technologies provide cybersecurity and network security solutions to businesses. For more information, you can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.
Most consumers believe that cyber risks only affect laptops or desktop computers. Mobile phones, in fact, have become the new focus of cyber assaults. The ever-increasing number of mobile phone users is a primary driver of this transition. Additionally, the enhanced capability of mobile phones has contributed to this transition.
The majority of mobile phone users nowadays use these devices to conduct most operations, such as making online payments, checking emails, storing personal data, connecting to their organizational network, and so on. As a result, mobile devices serve as a pool of opportunities for cybercriminals.
Another key factor that makes mobile phone users extremely vulnerable is a lack of knowledge about potential cyber security threats. The first step in addressing these threats is to get completely educated on the potential hazards.
Here is a list of some of the mobile security threats:
- Malicious Apps: Hackers frequently employ fake mobile apps with concealed malware and viruses. These programs are made to look like legitimate applications like games, instant messaging apps, or even antivirus software. The interface, including the layout, theme colors, fonts, and so on, is made to look like authentic apps in order to deceive mobile phone users into downloading false hacked apps. These apps, once downloaded and installed on a mobile device, can perform a variety of actions such as reconfiguring device settings, installing mobile ransomware, sending unauthorized communications, making social media posts, hacking user accounts, copying and sending personal photos to a third-party server, and so on.
- Mobile Greyware: This type of cyber-attack is less severe than a mobile virus, but it is more widespread. Mobile greyware refers to apps that do not include identifiable malware but can nevertheless harm the mobile device. These programs may be configured to control actions such as tracking the user’s location, monitoring web browsing history, boosting cell costs through unlawful internet access, and so on. ‘Madware’ or ‘Mobile Adware’ is a common type of mobile greyware. It may include apps that display unwelcome adverts in the notification area, substitute the call tone with a speech commercial, or disclose mobile data such as the contact list.
- Smishing: Smishing is a common term used for SMS phishing. It is a type of tactic used by hackers to target users via text messages. It is a preferred practice as it allows geographic targeting of victims. The fraudsters may pose as a local bank or credit union and send messages to locally present mobile users. The messages may include compromised links for stealing user information.
- Fake Networks: Similar to laptops or desktops, it is never a good idea to access an open Wi-Fi over a mobile device. Hackers can exploit these networks to intercept information such as emails, messages, login credentials, etc.
Centex Technologies provide complete IT security solutions for businesses. For more information, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.
