Have you been cryptojacked?

While you have probably heard about bitcoin, you may not be familiar with a new type of cybercrime on the rise called cryptojacking.

What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is essentially when a cybercriminal uses someone else’s computer or web browser without their permission to develop cryptocurrency. They usually infiltrate their victim’s system through a phishing email or an infected website and then utilize the infected machine for a long period of time before people notice.

What can you do to protect yourself?

A few recommendations include:

1. Make your employees aware of cryptojacking. Remind them to not open strange or suspicious emails and never open attachments or click on links they aren’t expecting to receive.
2. Install ad blockers, specifically ones that have the capability to block cryptomining scripts.
3. Maintain and monitor browser extensions and keep your web filtering tools up to date.

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to know when a hacker is cryptomining on your computer or website so be sure to keep on the lookout for a variety of red flags including:

1. A sudden high number of help desk complaints regarding slow computer performance.
2. Overheating Systems.
3. File changes on your web server or changes to pages on your website.

This is only the beginning for cryptomining given that the amount of money to be made via illegal cryptomines is extremely high and requires little technical skill. You don’t want your organization to be responsible for exposing visitors to your website to cryptomining script, so if you want to learn more about how to keep yourself and your organization protected, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on the web at www.optfinity.com.