Cyber Threats : Cryptojacking Attacks

DEWI IKA (2110501032) AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY Cyber threats : Cryptojacking Attacks 1. What is a typical technique used to start a cryptojacking assault on a user's computer? Malicious code that is included onto websites or email attachments frequently serves as the starting point for cryptojacking attacks. Without the user's knowledge or agreement, this code uses the machine's resources to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker while running in the background on the user's computer. "Drive-by mining" is a method that is frequently used to start cryptojacking assaults. This entails placing harmful code into an advertising or on a user's favorite website.The malware begins to execute automatically in the background as soon as the user's internet browser loads a website or advertising, mining bitcoin utilizing the user's computer resources. Through email phishing schemes, cryptojacking assaults may also be started.The attacker could send an email with a malicious code-filled attachment that seems to be a normal file or document.The code begins to operate in the background as soon as the user downloads and opens the file, and begins using their computer's resources to mine cryptocurrencies. As the code runs silently in the background in both scenarios, the user might not be aware that their machine has been affected with cryptojacking malware. Users should frequently check their systems for malware and use caution while accessing new websites and downloading files from untrusted sources. 2. How can users defend themselves against attempts at cryptojacking? By running anti-malware software that incorporates cryptojacking protection, users may defend themselves against cryptojacking assaults. Additionally, they should exercise caution when downloading unidentified files or clicking on dubious links while maintaining their web browsers and operating systems patched with the most recent security updates. By performing a few crucial actions, users may defend themselves from cryptojacking attacks: a) Install anti-malware software. A number of anti-malware solutions come with cryptojacking defense. These tools can identify and get rid of malware that steals cryptographic keys from the user's machine. b) Use a browser extension: Browser add-ons are also available that can prevent websites from allowing cryptojacking scripts to operate. By identifying and blocking recognized cryptojacking scripts, these extensions stop them from being able to utilizing the user's computer resources. c) Users should use caution when surfing to avoid clicking on bogus links or downloading unfamiliar files. Additionally, they have to refrain from going to websites that have been shown to house cryptojacking scripts. d) Maintain software updates: It's critical for consumers to maintain their operating systems and web browsers updated with the most recent security fixes. By doing this, vulnerabilities that cryptojacking malware can exploit can be avoided. e) Keep an eye on your computer's performance. If a user sees that their personal computer is performing slower than usual or that their power bill is more than usual, this may indicate that their machine has cryptojacking malware on it. In this situation, the user should perform a scan for malware and get rid of any malware that is found. 3. What possible repercussions would a successful cryptojacking assault have? The performance of the user's computer can be significantly slowed down as a result of a successful cryptojacking assault since the attacker is using the machine's resources to mine cryptocurrency. Additionally, this may lead to higher energy use and power costs. Additionally, the hacker could have access to sensitive data kept on the user's computer, including passwords or financial information. A successful cryptojacking attempt may result in any of the following: a) Computer performance slowdown: A successful cryptojacking attack will primarily cause the user's computer to operate noticeably slower. This is due to the fact that the attacker is mining bitcoins utilizing the computer's resources, including its CPU and GPU. This can make the computer sluggish and unresponsive, which would make it challenging to utilize. b) Energy use increases: Cryptojacking assaults can potentially lead to higher energy costs and power bills. This is due to the fact that the attacker is mining cryptocurrency on the user's computer, which uses a lot of processing power. The user may incur costs as a result of this increased energy demand. c) Data theft: A cryptojacking attack can be used as a cover for data theft in addition to exploiting the user's computer resources for mining.On the victim's computer, sensitive information like passwords, financial information, or personal details may be accessible to an attacker.Identity theft, financial losses, and other major repercussions may result from this. d) Reputational harm: If a user's computer gets infected with cryptojacking malware and the virus is used to commit crimes, this can harm the user's reputation.The hacker could, for instance, exploit the victim's computer to mine cryptocurrency for illegal enterprises or to commit other online crimes. In general, cryptojacking attacks may have negative effects on users, such as slowed performance, higher energy use, data theft, and reputational harm. Users should take precautions against these assaults, such as installing anti-malware software, exercising caution when accessing the internet, and keeping an eye on their computer's performance.