What you should know about Crypto mining

Crypto mining is nothing more than cryptocurrency mining, but what is meant by cryptocurrency mining? In this context, mining is a perfectly legal operation that consists of validating a transaction, carried out; for example, in bitcoins, encrypting the data and registering it on the Blockchain. The operators, individuals or companies that carry out this process are called “miners”. However, thanks to the increase in the value of the cryptocurrencie such as Bitcoin, Cybercriminals have been motivated to use this activity to illicitly enrich themselves. Thus tarnished the reputation of this type of transaction.

We start with the term bitcoin, which was first described in 2008 by the Japanese Satoshi Nakamoto in the bitcoin white paper. His idea: the establishment of a digital currency. This should be organized in a decentralized way, meaning neither governments nor banks should manage it. The maximum number of Bitcoins should be limited to a total of 21 million, in order to exclude inflation from the start. However, unlike central banks, Bitcoin units are not printed like banknotes, for example, but can only be generated digitally by using the power of computers.

This method uses malware designed to extract cryptocurrencies. Cybercriminals use different forms of contraband to smuggle it onto their victims’ computers. The most popular distribution method is through infected websites. But pirated software is also suitable as a hiding place for a crypto mining dropper. If a user calls up a download website that is infected, the malware inadvertently loads onto the computer through an automated download and begins to dig up a crypto currency targeted for hackers.

Since the devices use maximum computing power, cybercriminals must proceed with caution so as not to be discovered while digging for cryptocurrencies. If the device always works at 100% of its computing power, it can hardly be operated by its owner. In most cases, the user will take countermeasures. As a result, cryptomining malware typically uses only about two-thirds of the computing power. In some cases, the malware is even programmed to detect the start of a resource-consuming application and to throttle the malware’s activities accordingly. Cryptomining malware capable of bypassing antivirus programs has even been detected.

How we can protect ourselves from Crypto Mining Malware

There are different attack vectors that cybercriminals can use to their advantage to infiltrate your systems. Knowing this, it is best to be willing to apply intelligent measures to protect your assets and take measures such as:

▸Monitor the performance of your CPUs

Regardless of the method used, crypto-mining will consume a lot of resources. Therefore, the affected machines will be easy to identify. So try to continuously monitor the performance of the CPUs of your systems.

▸Use a specialized security app

To improve its performance, the ideal is that you invest in a tool that allows you to automate certain tasks such as the detection of unusual activities within the system.

▸Always keep your programs updated

Outdated applications and operating systems are one of the main vulnerabilities that cybercriminals often exploit. So, to keep your systems protected, the ideal is that you apply patches and updates continuously.

See also:
Implement security measures for your Bitcoins wallet
CryptoCurrencies – What this payment method faces

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