What is Crypto Mining Malware?

Crypto Mining Malware, also known as Crypto Jacking, is a malware or technical process used by hackers to illegally access your device and mine for cryptocurrency coins. The malware can be used in PCs, smartphones, laptops, and basically, any device which is connected to mine for cryptocurrencies. Crypto Mining Malware uses your CPU to mine crypto coins, and in the worst cases, your device would be overused and permanently damage.

However, let’s get one thing straight – mining cryptocurrencies is not illegal per se. In fact, this is a normal process for most cryptosystems. Bitcoin, for example, is also mined by solving complex arithmetic puzzles.

There are legitimate cryptocurrency miners in the industry. These people use high-powered devices and CPU power to solve complex puzzles fast and earn more cryptocurrency coins. However, although crypto mining is a legitimate activity, there are people who employ illegal means to mine more coins. And this is where Crypto Mining Malware comes in.

How Does Crypto Mining Malware Work?

Like other malware, the program attaches itself to your device whenever you visit or download an infected site or app. It installs and runs quietly in the background, and it mines cryptocurrencies right then and there using your hardware, processor, and other resources.

The coins mined in the process are also sent directly to the hacker. No interaction is involved. Most Crypto Mining Malware doesn’t harvest sensitive information or data from the user (though there is a high risk of breach or exposure), their primary aim is to use your hardware and processor to power up their crypto mining activities.

Because the whole process is done discreetly, it usually takes months or years before the user knows that malware is running in the background. Many illegal crypto miners and hackers also use this method precisely because of its ease and anonymity.

How to Detect Crypto Mining Malware?

Hackers or crypto jackers may be discreet, but there are ways to detect their nefarious activities on your device. To know if your PC, phone or laptop is infected or not, there are several ways to detect a Crypto Mining Malware. Here’s how:

Scan For Malware Using an Anti-Virus Tool

Many anti-virus and anti-malware tools can detect malicious programs in the background. A crypto mining malware is programmed just like your usual malware, so any trusted antivirus should be able to detect it. Just make sure your antivirus or anti-malware tool is kept up to date.

Monitor Your Network Traffic

If you know how to look for patterns in your network traffic, this method can also work for you. If you notice irregular patterns in your network traffic, then there might be malicious programs running in the background. In these cases, you would still need an antivirus or anti-malware tool to successfully identify and remove the program from your device.

Check CPU Usage Regularly

Since Crypto Mining Malwares target your CPU power and usage, you would notice some signs in your device (even without using a scanner). If your device makes a lot of noise and is consuming more power than usual, then there might be Crypto Mining Malware on your device. And if your CPU usage is higher than it should be, it’s time to perform a scan.

How to Prevent Crypto Mining Malwares From Attaching To Your Device

Prevention is better than cure – so they say. As much as possible, it is best to avoid falling victims to these malware and illegal activities. Aside from potentially damaging your device, these hackers might also harvest your personal data and use it for illegal purposes. Here are several ways to prevent your phone or laptop/PC from any mining malware programs:

Avoid Connecting to a Public WiFi (or use VPN)

Public WiFi connections are usually unsafe and insecure. Hackers can easily access your data and device just by connecting to a common Public WiFi access. Through this, the hacker can install malware on your device and mine illegally. If you can avoid using Public WiFi, then that’s good. But if you can’t help it, might as well use a VPN to shield you from malicious programs and hackers.

Avoid Suspicious and Unreliable Websites

There are countless websites online that actually carry malware and suspicious programs. Avoid visiting websites that are entirely unknown to you. Don’t click on random ads and videos whenever your browse websites – yes, even trusted and legitimate ones. You may also install an in-browser anti-malware tool so you will be notified if you are entering a malicious website.

Install an Anti-Malware Tool

This is the best way to prevent malware from infecting your device. You can either use antivirus tools or anti-malware tools for your PC or smartphone. Install a reputable and topnotch program, and make sure they are updated regularly so they can also detect and remove any malware and viruses that attempt to latch on your device.

Avoiding Crypto Mining Malware is basically just like avoiding any kind of viruses and malware that could infect your device. You have to be constantly vigilant when it comes to visiting websites and downloading apps or programs to your phone/PC. Always make sure they are from reputable and trusted sources or developers. If you feel that a certain website or app is shady, then just avoid them altogether.