Crypto malware: What do you need to know

Overview

Crypto malware is a type of malware that utilizes the victim's computer resources to mine cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies based on blockchain technology that require significant computing power to generate and verify. Crypto malware runs hidden programs on the victim's computer to use their CPU or GPU for cryptocurrency mining, generating profits for attackers.

What is the difference between crypto malware and ransomware?

The purpose of crypto malware is to use the victim's computing resources to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum to generate profits for attackers. Crypto malware usually does not directly lock or encrypt the victim's data or devices but runs in the background, consuming large amounts of CPU and memory, affecting the victim's computer performance and battery life. Crypto malware may also expose the victim's computer to other cybercriminals, compromising data security and privacy.

The purpose of ransomware is to hijack the victim's data or devices by encrypting them and demanding payment to unlock or decrypt them. Ransomware usually explicitly informs the victim that they have been infected and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom within a certain deadline. Ransomware may also delete or encrypt the victim's backup files, making data recovery difficult or impossible.

What happens if you are attacked by crypto malware?

① Decreased computer performance

Crypto malware can consume the victim's computer's CPU and GPU, causing it to run slowly, freeze, crash, or shut down.

② Increased electricity bills

Crypto malware can increase the victim's computer's power consumption and heat generation, resulting in higher electricity bills.

③ Compromised data security

Crypto malware may expose the victim's computer to other cybercriminals, compromising data security. For example, some crypto malware may also carry other types of malware such as Trojan horses, spyware, and keyloggers to steal personal information, financial information, login credentials, and more.

④ Legal risks

Crypto malware may inadvertently involve the victim in illegal activities. For example, some crypto malware may use the victim's computer to mine banned or regulated cryptocurrencies such as Monero. This could result in legal risks such as being sued, fined, or imprisoned.

How to prevent crypto malware

Crypto malware is a difficult-to-detect and remove network threat that can cause serious damage to your computer and data. Therefore, you need to take effective preventive measures to protect yourself from crypto malware. Here are some suggestions:

① Monitor devices

You should know the configuration, performance, security, and update status of your computer and network devices, as well as the source and functions of the software and services you use. This way, you can detect any abnormalities or suspicious changes in a timely manner and take appropriate measures.

② Monitor network traffic

You should regularly check your network traffic to see if there is any unusual or excessive data transfer, especially with connections to unknown or untrusted websites or servers. This may be a sign that crypto malware is using your computer resources to mine cryptocurrencies.

③ Avoid opening unknown or suspicious links or attachments

You should avoid clicking on any unverified or suspicious links or attachments, whether they are in emails, social media, instant messaging, or other platforms. These links or attachments may download or run crypto malware on your computer or lead you to an infected website or application.

④ Pay attention to the authenticity and security of websites and applications

You should only visit reputable and secure websites and applications, not those with spelling errors, formatting errors, content errors, or other abnormalities. These sites and apps may be tampered with or forged, used to spread crypto malware or other malware.

⑤ Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

You should set strong passwords for your computer, network devices, online accounts, and services and change them regularly. You should also use multi-factor authentication (such as SMS verification, fingerprint recognition, etc.) to increase account security. This way, you can prevent crypto malware or other cybercriminals from invading your computer or data by cracking your password.

⑥ Back up data regularly

You should regularly back up your important data to a secure external storage device or cloud service to be prepared in case of an attack. If you are unfortunate enough to be attacked by crypto malware, you can reduce data loss by restoring from backups.

⑦ Keep your devices and software updated

You should install the latest updates for your operating system, browser, firewall, antivirus software, and more to fix vulnerabilities and bugs that may be exploited by crypto malware or other types of malware. These updates often include security patches to protect your computer from the latest threats.

⑧ Use MetroVPN

MetroVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that can hide your real IP address and location, encrypt your network traffic, and prevent your online activities and data from being tracked or stolen.