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HomeCybersecurity 101
What is cryptojacking?

What is cryptojacking? Easy explanation for cybersecurity newbies

Written by: Lizzie Danielson

Published: 7/18/2025

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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.

Breaking down cryptojacking

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.

Why does cryptojacking matter in cybersecurity?

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.

How does cryptojacking actually happen?

Cybercriminals usually pull off cryptojacking in one of two ways:

1. Malicious downloads

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.

2. Poisoned webpages (browser-based mining)

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.

Real-world example

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.

What are the common signs of cryptojacking?

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!

Why should you care about cryptojacking?

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.

How do you defend yourself against cryptojacking?

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.

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Top questions people ask about cryptojacking

Look for unusual slowdowns, increased fan noise, quickly draining batteries, or unexplained spikes in power usage. Security alerts and persistent browser tabs may also signal a problem.

It hijacks your computing power, slows your device, and can increase your electricity bills. More importantly, it means your online defenses are weak—which could make you a target for even more dangerous attacks.

Yes! Any internet-connected device can be targeted, including phones, tablets, and even smart home gadgets like TVs and voice assistants.

Install security updates regularly, use trustworthy antivirus tools, practice safe browsing (avoid shady websites), and consider anti-cryptomining browser add-ons.

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