In this world of “digital everything” including digital currency, it is no wonder that cyber crimes in crypto jacking are on the rise. Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of someone else’s computer to mine cryptocurrency and experts are warning that the trend is growing fast. In fact, the specialists at Adware report that crypto jacking has surged by over 30%. Let’s take a closer look at what this trend is and how to avoid it.
How Cryptojacking Works
Hackers can access cryptocurrency in two main ways on your computer. According to CSO online, hackers can either trick victims into loading a crypto mining code onto their computers or to inject a script on a website or an ad that is delivered to multiple websites. Regardless of the method, ultimately a code runs complex mathematical problems on the victims’ computers and sends the results to a server that the hacker controls.
Preventing Cryptojacking
Detecting and preventing crypto jacking means taking on several layers of security at your company regardless of your size. Some of the following methods are a good place to start. We suggest consulting with your IT support company or department to find solutions unique to your company.
- Security training for employees, vendors, and management leaders should be one of the first steps taken to stop this hacking.
- Installation of Ad Blocking or Cryptomining extensions from showing up on your computers. Some ad blockers like Ad Blocker Plus have some capability to detect crypto mining scripts. MinerBlock is also specifically designed to detect and block crypto mining scripts.
- Maintain web-filtering tools and keep them up-to-date.
- Set up mobile device management (MDM) to help manage apps and extensions on users’ devices.
Do you have questions about crypto mining or crypto jacking and how safe your business is? Call M&H Consulting to find out how you can have your systems and network evaluated and maintained by our specialists. Call M&H Consulting at 1-866-964-8324 or visit our website.
Categorised in: Security, Uncategorized