What Is Cryptojacking- Trend Continues To Grow

What Is Cryptojacking? Trend Continues To Grow
Most people are aware of the potential threats looming online but a new trend called cryptojacking can steal a user’s computing power and use it to mine profitable cryptocurrencies for attackers.

Unlike other attacks like adware that bombards a user with advertisements that can redirect them to spam-filled websites or malware that requires the user to download and install a piece of software, cryptojacking is relatively unintrusive and generally less harmful than other attacks—though that doesn’t make the intentions less malicious.

Cryptojacking takes place when a script, usually one crafted using Javascript, is placed on a webpage—either intentionally so by the site’s owner or hackers who use vulnerabilities in the site to inject the script without permission.

Any time a person visits the site, the script kicks in and starts to hijack the processing power of the visitor’s computer, using it to mine for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero—a task that involves solving complicated mathematical problems in order to process transactions and release additional currency.

Often times, cryptojacking behavior can go unnoticed by a user. The fan on their computer might kick in or they may notice their browser start to feel sluggish, but there is no intrusive behavior that would tip off an individual they are being used to generate cash for someone else.