ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that puts a person’s personal data at risk unless a ransom is paid. This software can come in the form of a virus, worm or Trojan horse, and can be spread through email attachments, social media links or infected websites. Once a person’s system is infected, the ransomware will encrypt files and demand a ransom be paid in order to decrypt and access the files again. In some cases, the infected person’s contact list will be accessed and ransom demands will be sent to those individuals as well.
Ransomware is a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, as it can result in the loss of important data or money. There are a few steps that can be taken in order to protect oneself from this type of attack, such as keeping all software up to date, running a reputable antivirus program and not opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders. If a person’s system is infected with ransomware, they should not pay the ransom and instead contact a professional to assist with removal of the software.Click here for more
crypto-jacking
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of someone else’s computer to mine cryptocurrency. This is usually done without the owner’s knowledge and permission, and can be done either by installing malicious software on the victim’s machine or by using their browser to mine cryptocurrency on a website without their consent.
Cryptojacking can be profitable for the attacker, as they can earn cryptocurrency without having to invest in the expensive hardware needed to mine it themselves. However, it can also slow down the victim’s computer and use up their electricity, which can cost them money.
Cryptojacking is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is already becoming a problem for individuals and companies around the world. In some cases, attackers have even managed to hijack the resources of entire governments and institutions.
As the value of cryptocurrency continues to rise, cryptojacking is likely to become more widespread and more profitable for attackers. It is important to be aware of the risk of cryptojacking and take steps to protect yourself and your computer.
What is cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of someone else’s computer to mine cryptocurrency. This can be done by installing malicious software on the victim’s machine or by using their browser to mine cryptocurrency on a website without their consent.
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to secure its transactions and to control the creation of new units of the currency. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009.
Since then, hundreds of other cryptocurrencies have been created, including Ethereum, Litecoin, and Monero. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means they are not subject to government or financial institution control.
Cryptocurrencies are mined by solving complex mathematical problems. This process is called mining. Miners are rewarded with cryptocurrency for their work.
Cryptocurrency mining requires a lot of computer power and can be very energy-intensive. This is why miners usually invest in expensive, specialized equipment.
However, cryptojacking allows attackers to mine cryptocurrency without investing in the hardware themselves. This can be done by hijacking the resources of other people’s computers.
How does cryptojacking work?
There are two main ways that attackers can carry out cryptojacking: by installing malicious software on victim’s computers or by using their browser to mine cryptocurrency on a website without their consent.
Malicious software
The most common way of carrying out cryptojacking is by installing malicious software, also known as malware, on victims’ computers. This malware can be installed in a number of ways, including:
Emails containing malicious attachments or links
Malicious advertisements
Downloading fake updates or software from untrustworthy websites
Once the malware is installed, it will usually start mining cryptocurrency in the background without the victim’s knowledge. The victim’s computer will then be used to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker.
This can slow down the victim’s computer and use up their electricity. In some cases, the victim may also be unaware that their computer is being used to mine cryptocurrency.
Websites
Another way of carrying out cryptojacking is by using a victim’s browser to mine cryptocurrency on a website without their consent. This can be done by embedding cryptocurrency mining code into a website.
When the victim visits the website, their browser will start mining cryptocurrency for the attacker. This can slow down the victim’s computer and use up their electricity.
In some cases, the victim may be unaware that their browser is being used to mine cryptocurrency. However, in other cases, the victim may see a message on the website that their browser is being used to mine cryptocurrency.
What are the consequences of cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking can be profitable for attackers, as they can earn cryptocurrency without investing in the hardware themselves. However, cryptojacking can also have a number of negative consequences for victims, including:
Slowing down the victim’s computer
Using up the victim’s electricity
Costing the victim money
In some cases, cryptojacking can also lead to the theft of the victim’s personal information, such as their passwords or financial information.
How to protect yourself from cryptojacking
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from cryptojacking, including:
Using a reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
Keeping your software up to date
Avoiding downloading software from untrustworthy websites
Avoiding clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources
Being cautious when downloading updates or software from the internet
Cryptojacking is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is already a problem for individuals and companies around the world. As the value of cryptocurrency continues to rise, cryptojacking is likely to become more widespread.
It is important to be aware of the risk of cryptojacking and take steps to protect yourself and your computer.
All material on this site was made with malwarezero.org as the authority reference. Reference.