Cryptojacking is when someone secretly uses your computer or device to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge or consent. This is done by installing malicious software or running sneaky scripts, slowing down your device, and using your processing power for their own profit.
Want a simple breakdown of how cryptojacking works, how it impacts cybersecurity, and what you can do to protect yourself? You’re in the right spot! This glossary entry is built for beginners, so grab your digital magnifying glass and let's demystify cryptojacking together.
Cryptojacking is a sneaky way for cybercriminals to make money at your expense. Here’s the gist:
Imagine leaving your laptop to charge overnight, only to wake up and find it hot, slow, and popping up with weird error messages. You didn’t ask it to solve complex math problems all night, but a hacker might have. That’s cryptojacking at work.
We’re not just talking about a slightly slower computer. Cryptojacking is a red flag for several reasons:
It’s a sign of a breach. If someone can secretly run cryptojacking software, your system likely has other weaknesses.
It can cost you. Expect higher electricity bills and a much shorter device lifespan.
It’s everywhere. Cryptojacking can infect PCs, phones, tablets, and even smart refrigerators. All it takes is one unpatched browser or an outdated plugin.
Cybercriminals usually pull off cryptojacking in one of two ways:
You get tricked into downloading a fake app or clicking a sketchy email link. Bam! Hidden mining software installs itself in the background. You may never notice until your device starts running much slower.
Certain websites are loaded with sneaky scripts that hijack your browser’s resources to mine cryptocurrency. Close the tab, and the mining often stops—but some clever scripts keep working until you restart your computer.
Remember that time you opened 20 browser tabs and your laptop sounded like a jet engine? If one of those sites was running cryptojacking code, it could explain the sudden lag and the spike in your electricity bill. Cryptojacking uses up your processing power and energy just to help bad actors make a quick buck.
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
The device feels hot or the fan runs constantly, even when idle
The battery drains unusually fast
Your computer or phone is suddenly super slow
Random browser tabs or windows keep popping up
Noticeably higher electric bills without an obvious explanation
Security software keeps flagging suspicious processes
No single sign guarantees you’re a target, but a combo of these is worth investigating!
Here’s why cybersecurity pros (and you) should take cryptojacking seriously:
Resource drain: It eats up your CPU (processor) power and energy, causing hardware to wear out faster.
Security warning: The presence of cryptojacking often means you’ve got other vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit.
Hidden costs: Even if it doesn’t steal your credit card, cryptojacking costs you in device health, performance, and energy bills.
Widespread reach: Any internet-connected device is a potential target, including smart home gadgets and work laptops.
Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals with these beginner-friendly tips:
Install security updates. Keep your operating system, browsers, and plugins up to date.
Use quality antivirus software. Look for features like real-time scanning and malware removal.
Be browser savvy. Use reputable ad-blockers and anti-cryptomining browser extensions.
Avoid suspicious links and downloads. Don’t click on weird email attachments or shady pop-ups.
Monitor device performance. If things feel off, investigate! Unexpected slowdowns could be a signal.
Bonus tip: If your system is consistently slow, open your Task Manager or Activity Monitor and check for unknown processes hogging the CPU. That’s where cryptojacking likes to hide.
