What Is Cryptojacking? Types, Detection & Prevention

Cryptojacking has become one of the fastest-growing cyber threats of the last decade. In 2024 alone, cyber security reports estimated over 25% of all detected malware was related to unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. This silent attack not only hijacks computing power but also increases energy bills and damages hardware over time. 

Whether you are an individual user or part of a large enterprise, understanding cryptojacking, how it works, and cryptojacking prevention strategies is now essential. Here, we will discuss what cryptojacking is, the different cryptojacking types, how to detect cryptojacking, and the best cryptojacking prevention methods to protect your devices and networks.

What Is Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking happens when someone uses your computer, phone, or cloud account without permission to mine cryptocurrency. Unlike a traditional hacking attack that aims to steal data, a cryptojacking attack focuses on stealing your computing resources to generate profit for the attacker. The process is often stealthy, allowing the cryptojacking malware to run for months before being detected.

While cryptocurrency mining itself is legal, doing it by secretly infecting devices, especially using cryptojacking malware, makes it a criminal act.

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How Do Cryptojacking Attacks Work

A typical cryptojacking attack follows these steps:

• Infection: The attacker delivers cryptojacking malware through malicious websites, phishing emails, or compromised cloud applications. This usually happens without the person knowing, because the harmful code works quietly in the background
• Execution: Once active, it hijacks the CPU/GPU resources to perform complex calculations needed for mining cryptocurrency. This constant high resource usage can shorten hardware lifespan and increase the risk of system failure.
• Monetization: The attacker receives cryptocurrency rewards, while victims suffer slow performance, overheating devices, and high electricity bills. The attacker can mine 24/7 without paying for electricity or equipment, making it highly profitable at the victim’s expense.

A survey by Cybersecurity Ventures found that an average cryptojacking attack can consume up to 65% of a device’s CPU capacity without the user’s knowledge. Over time, this excessive load can lead to slower performance, frequent system crashes, and increased maintenance costs for affected devices.

Types of Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking can occur in multiple ways, depending on the attacker’s method and the target environment. When discussing cryptojacking types, three major categories stand out:

1. Browser-Based Cryptojacking

This method injects malicious JavaScript into websites. Victims unknowingly allow mining operations to run in their browser without installing anything. It often spreads through hacked ads or harmful plugins.

2. Malware-Based Cryptojacking

In this method, hackers put malware straight onto the victim’s device. It stays active even when the browser is closed. This kind of mining malware usually spreads through phishing emails or harmful downloads.

3. Cloud Cryptojacking

Cloud cryptojacking attacks go after services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Attackers exploit misconfigured cloud services to run large-scale mining operations. A IBM X-Force report revealed that cloud cryptojacking incidents rose by 200% in a single year due to poor configuration security.

How to Detect Cryptojacking

It can be challenging to detect cryptojacking because it often hides within normal system processes, making it appear as legitimate activity. Attackers design cryptojacking malware to run quietly in the background, avoiding obvious signs that would alert the user. However, there are some clear signs you can watch out for:

• Unusually high CPU/GPU usage: If your system resources are maxed out even when you’re not running demanding applications, it could indicate a cryptojacking attack. Checking your task manager or activity monitor can show hidden programs that are using too much power.
• Overheating laptops or servers: Continuous mining activity generates excessive heat, which can trigger loud fan noises or automatic thermal throttling. Prolonged overheating can damage internal components and shorten the device’s lifespan.
• Slow response times and frequent system crashes: The constant strain on your system can cause freezes, lag, and blue-screen errors. This can disrupt daily operations and lead to potential data loss if files are not saved before crashes.
• Unexplained increase in electricity bills: Mining cryptocurrency requires substantial power, so a sudden spike in energy consumption is a red flag. This extra cost can be significant in enterprise environments running multiple affected machines.

Cryptojacking detection tools such as Malwarebytes, Norton, and Bitdefender can detect and eliminate concealed mining malware. Advanced enterprise-level cryptojacking detection tools can also track network traffic for suspicious activity associated with cryptocurrency mining pools.

According to Kaspersky, 40% of organizations detected cryptojacking malware only after noticeable performance issues arose, meaning regular monitoring and early detection are crucial for minimizing damage.

How to Prevent Cryptojacking Attacks

Protecting your systems from cryptojacking starts with understanding the risks and staying ahead of attackers. Cryptojacking prevention requires proactive steps:

For individual users who want to safeguard their personal devices and data:

• Use strong ad blockers to prevent in-browser mining scripts.
• Keep software and browsers updated.
• Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious attachments.

For organizations seeking to protect their networks, infrastructure, and digital assets:

• Employ endpoint security solutions with cryptojacking protection features.
• Regularly scan systems with cryptojacking detection tools.
• Monitor cloud usage to prevent cloud cryptojacking.
• Train employees to recognize phishing attempts.

Implementing multi-layer cryptojacking protection can reduce attack risk by up to 95%, according to a Palo Alto Networks study. This approach combines endpoint security, network monitoring, and user education to create a comprehensive defense against evolving cryptojacking threats.

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Real-World Cryptojacking Examples

Cryptojacking is not just a theoretical threat, it has impacted high-profile organizations and millions of users worldwide. Here are some of the most notable real-world cryptojacking cases that illustrate the scale and methods of these attacks:

• Coinhive Browser Script: One of the most infamous in-browser mining scripts that affected millions of websites. It was shut down in 2019 after mounting criticism and widespread abuse for cryptojacking attacks.
• Tesla Cloud Cryptojacking Incident: Attackers exploited Tesla’s Kubernetes console to run mining malware on its cloud infrastructure. The breach was quickly patched, but it highlighted the growing threat of cloud cryptojacking in corporate environments.
• Government Websites in the UK: Multiple official sites unknowingly hosted cryptojacking scripts. The scripts were injected through a compromised third-party plugin, temporarily affecting public access to these websites.

These incidents highlight that even major organizations can fall victim to a cryptojacking attack without robust cryptojacking prevention strategies.

In short, cryptojacking is a growing cybercrime that silently drains your computing resources. Understanding cryptojacking types, learning how to detect cryptojacking, and applying strong cryptojacking prevention measures are key to staying safe. With cryptojacking malware evolving rapidly, early detection and active cryptojacking protection should be a top cyber security priority for both individuals and businesses.

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