Cryptojacking for beginners – what you need to know

by John Shier

Cryptojacking has hit the headlines in recent months. But what is it? And do you need to be worried?
Cryptojacking occurs when a computer is used to mine cryptocurrency without the permission of the user. There are two main ways that this is done: in-browser and via installed malware on the machine.
In-browser cryptominers vs installed cryptomining malware
With an in-browser approach, cybercriminals break into a web server and inject browser-based cryptomining code that mines whenever anyone visits the website. For example, researchers recently discovered that a Coinhive Monero miner had been running on an LA Times website. Any time a user visited the Homicide Report web page offered by the LA Times, the hacker was able to steal their CPU power to mine for Monero, a popular digital currency.

Read more from the link https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2018/07/31/cryptojacking-for-beginners-what-you-need-to-know/

How to tell if you have a cryptominer installed
If your computer is being used by cryptojackers, then it’s likely to get slower and the fans will go into high gear due to increased CPU. There’s a physical reaction to the miner being on the machine.
What to do
There isn’t one specific thing you can do to stop cryptomining attacks, but good security hygiene in general is always a good line of defense. That means:

1. Keep your software up-to-date. Patch early, patch often
2. Only download software through approved sources
3. Don’t open or click on things when you don’t know where they came from
4. Always create strong, unique passwords and don’t share them with anyone
5. Enable 2-factor authentication when it’s available
6. Back up regularly and keep a recent backup copy off-site
7. Secure your computer with advanced real-time security protection.