As the popularity and prices of crypto rise again, scams and hackers take advantage of the market. We are now experiencing a bull run, meaning prices on almost every cryptocurrency are on the rise. So, bad actors everywhere are taking advantage of newcomers or using underhanded tactics to gain crypto coins at others' expense.
One of the popular ways to do this is by using crypto-mining malware. These types of programs are now increasing on the internet and affecting hundreds of thousands of computers. In this article will see how crypto mining malware works, ways to prevent it, and how to stop it if infected.
What is Crypto Mining Malware?
Crypto mining malware is a subclass of malware software designed to hijack a computer to mine cryptocurrencies. Once it has infected the computer, the virus begins to drain resources and use them together with other affected computers. In this way, a hacker can gain control of thousands of machines at the same time and dedicate them all to mine crypto.
The crypto mining malware first appeared on the scene in 2017. At the time, Bitcoin had reached for the first time twenty-thousand dollars. Ethereum had been launched, and with it, the Initial Coin Offerings took over the market. For the first time, cryptocurrencies took over the news and became mainstream.
Of course, back then, the mining difficulty of Bitcoin and Ethereum was much less. So, it was possible to mine by using a CPU or the GPU of computers. Now in 2021, that is no longer the case. So, crypto mining malware mines blockchains that are much smaller than Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Networks such as Crypto-mining malware are a subclass of malware software designed to hijack a computer to mine cryptocurrencies. Once it has infected the computer, the virus begins to drain resources and use them together with other affected computers. In this way, a hacker can gain control of thousands of machines at the same time and dedicate them all to mine crypto.
How does Crypto Mining Malware affect the computer?
As said before, crypto-mining malware hijacks the machine to mine cryptocurrencies. So, the malware uses the CPU and GPU of the infected computer to do a task not instructed by the machine owner. At first, this results in a computer that becomes much slower and unresponsive than before. It has trouble completing tasks and can no longer do or run programs in parallel.
If the computer has been infected for a long time, the malware begins to damage the internal components. Hackers don't care about the machines infected, so their malware will overwork both the affected computers' CPU and GPU. Overheating becomes familiar, and the build-up of heat will destroy the components of the computer over time.
Types of crypto mining malware
There are countless ways viruses can infect a computer. In the case of crypto mining malware, two main types are the most common:
Browser crypto mining malware
Websites need access to certain parts of your computer to function. If a website has been compromised or a hacker created it, it can use that access to install crypto-mining malware. The moment you enter the malicious web page, a script will run in the background. It will instruct the affected PC to begin mining crypto in the background.
Another way to direct people to affected sites is with the use of links. Hackers will often send emails to people claiming to be their bank, credit card operator, etc. The mail will contain a link to a website that seems to be from the institution in the email. Of course, in the background, the crypto mining malware will begin running once the person clicks on the link.
Adware based crypto mining malware
Another vector of attack is adware crypto mining. Adwares are programs that install on a computer, monitor a person's behavior, and generate ads in return. They disguise themselves as updates to the browser to trick people into accepting them. They are very dangerous since they install themselves in the infected PC.
The crypto mining malware version not only produces ads to the user but also mines on the side. It is more difficult to stop than our previous example because it takes over the PC from the inside.
How to check for crypto mining malware
First, if your PC is behaving strangely and is becoming slower, it takes longer to do things it used to do quickly, then it may be affected. In this case, open the heat monitoring software of your device. Then, proceed to close all programs and browsers. Now, you wait for a few minutes.
If the PC is reaching the 80 or 90% mark without any programs open, it is infected. Next, open the task manager and search for programs that have strange names or are not tied to any system in the computer. Search for the terms of these tasks online to see if they are connected to known malware.
If you have been affected by adware, you should see ad pop-ups on pages that previously did not show them. Also, the ads would be far more frequent and challenging to get rid of. For example, trying to exit the pop-up would lead to a link instead of leaving the ad.
How to prevent crypto mining malware
Here there are a few things that can do:
- Avoid unwanted links. Never click the link directly sent to you by email. Instead, search for the webpage from Google or other services and access the website from there and not from your email.
Avoid unsafe websites. Webpages on the internet are required to get a certification to prove they are safe. Check the certificate of every new site you visit. It is the padlock symbol next to the URL on the browser.
Use ad blockers. Ad Blockers are excellent at stopping adware and malicious links. Always have it on for new websites, and only disable it for pages you trust.
Use anti-miner extensions. The rise of crypto mining malware has given way to a new type of tool, anti-miner extension. These prevent pages from mining using your PC. Some popular examples are MinerBlock and NoMiner.
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Check the taskbar regularly. It is essential to be aware of which are the routine tasks of your PC. Often look at the taskbar, take screenshots of it, and search the names of new tasks listed.
How to stop crypto mining malware
If affected, the first step is to close all tabs on a web browser. Leave the internet and run an anti-malware program. Crypto mining malware works much in the same way other types of malware do. Also, crypto mining malware has been around since 2017, so anti-malware developers are very aware of their existence.
Most anti-malware on the market will detect and eliminate crypto mining malware. A good one if you need a recommendation is AVG . It will stop most malware programs out there and give you a warning if something is strange with your PC.
Conclusion
The popularity of crypto and blockchain always attracts bad actors. Crypto mining malware is just one of many scams and fraud found in the industry. Knowledge is still the best defense, and in this article, we reviewed what crypto-mining malware is, how to detect it, prevent it, and stop it.
All signs point to an excellent year for crypto, so read [Best Crypto Guides to Start the New Year in 2021(https://remitano.com/forum/ca/post/8820-best-crypto-guides-to-start-the-new-year-in-2021) to introduce the market. Despite all of its problems, crypto remains the future of the economy. Do not be discouraged by some of the scams out there, and keep learning about blockchain.
