// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is when a cybercriminal secretly uses your computer, tablet, or smartphone's processing power to mine cryptocurrency without your permission, often making your device run slower or consume more energy.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Cryptojacking is a cyberattack where threat actors surreptitiously compromise a victim's computing device (e.g., PC, server, mobile) by injecting malicious code (often JavaScript or malware) to illegally mine cryptocurrencies like Monero, leveraging the victim's CPU/GPU resources for illicit profit without consent.

BACKGROUND

Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause disruption or destruction to a computer, server, client, or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, deprive access to information, or interfere with the user's computer security and privacy without their knowledge. Researchers tend to classify malware into one or more sub-types.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Crypto mining hijack
  • Illicit crypto mining
  • Unauthorized crypto mining
  • Drive-by mining
  • Browser mining attack

USAGE NOTE

Cryptojacking often manifests as degraded system performance or increased electricity bills, making detection challenging without specific monitoring tools.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Cryptojacking.

  • Palo Alto Networks

    Develops enterprise cybersecurity platforms that detect and prevent various forms of malware, including cryptojacking, through advanced threat intelligence and endpoint protection solutions.

  • CrowdStrike

    Offers cloud-native endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and incident response services that actively identify and block cryptojacking attempts across endpoints and cloud workloads.

  • Sophos

    Provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including endpoint protection and network security, designed to detect and prevent unauthorized cryptocurrency mining (cryptojacking) on enterprise systems.

  • Trend Micro

    Specializes in cloud security, network defense, and endpoint protection, offering solutions that identify and mitigate cryptojacking attacks, particularly in cloud and server environments.

  • Fortinet

    Develops a broad range of cybersecurity products, including firewalls, endpoint security, and threat intelligence services, which are used to detect and prevent cryptojacking activities on networks and devices.

  • Check Point Software Technologies

    Offers comprehensive threat prevention solutions that protect against various cyber threats, including cryptojacking, across networks, cloud, and mobile environments.

  • Kaspersky Lab

    Provides endpoint security, threat intelligence, and anti-malware solutions, actively researching and developing technologies to detect and protect against cryptojacking and other cybercriminal activities.

  • Microsoft

    Through Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and other security services, Microsoft provides advanced threat protection capabilities that detect, prevent, and respond to cryptojacking attacks on Windows and other platforms.

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