Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a form of cyberattack in which a malicious hacker uses the computing power of another user’s computer to mine cryptocurrency without the user’s knowledge or consent. This type of attack is becoming increasingly popular among cybercriminals as it allows them to make money without having to purchase expensive hardware or divulge their identity.

Cryptojacking is similar to other types of malware or malicious code, but differs in that it uses the victim’s computing power as part of its operations. The malicious code is usually hidden within a website or embedded into application code, which then utilizes the CPU of the visitor’s browser to mine cryptocurrency. As the code executes, the CPU usage of the victim’s computer can spike dramatically, causing it to become slow or unresponsive.

When cryptojacking is successful, the malicious hacker is able to generate cryptocurrency without having to invest in expensive mining hardware. Additionally, because the hacker is not directly involved in the mining process, they remain anonymous. This is especially attractive to cybercriminals who wish to avoid being caught or identified by law enforcement.

Though cryptojacking is becoming an increasingly popular form of online attack, it can be easily prevented by using anti-malware software and ensuring that web browsers and other applications are kept up to date. Additionally, users should always be aware of any unexpected CPU spikes while browsing the web, as this may indicate that their computer has been compromised.