Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of another person's computer, server, mobile device, or cloud infrastructure for cryptocurrency mining.

An attacker may install malicious software or inject mining code into a website or application. The compromised device then performs mining computations, increasing CPU or GPU utilization without the owner's consent.

Unlike legitimate mining, the victim does not receive the economic benefit from the computation. Cryptojacking can increase electricity costs, reduce performance, increase operating temperatures, and accelerate hardware wear.

Common signs

• unexpectedly high CPU or GPU utilization;
• increased power consumption;
• unknown processes running continuously;
• higher device temperatures and fan activity;
• unusual network activity.

Protection includes keeping software updated, using endpoint security tools, limiting application permissions, monitoring processes, and detecting abnormal infrastructure behavior. Data centers and large operators can also monitor anomalies in power consumption and system load.

Cryptojacking differs from ordinary mining because the economic benefit of the computation goes to an unauthorized third party rather than the owner of the hardware.