How does cryptojacking affect you?
The individual who infects your computer with cryptocurrency mining malware is doing so only to make a buck. Strictly speaking, cryptojacking is not about accessing or sharing your private information.
But, cryptojackers are using your system resources without your knowledge or consent. A Bitcoin miner virus can be so aggressive that it drains your battery in no time, renders your computer unusable for long periods, and shortens the life of your device. Not only that, but your electricity bill goes up, and your productivity goes down. It’s safe to say that this constitutes a security breach.
It’s important to note that you will almost never run into cryptojacking operations targeting Bitcoin. Because Bitcoin requires huge processing power to mine, it’s not possible to do so using cryptojacking. But as the most well-known cryptocurrency, “Bitcoin” is sometimes used to refer to all types of digital currency. “Bitcoin miner virus” is a catch-all term in the same way.
Only smaller cryptocurrencies like Monero can rely on pedestrian hardware specs, meaning that they can be mined with cryptojacking malware. The untraceability of Monero transactions is another factor that makes Monero an ideal target for this brand of cybercrime. But regardless of the kind of mining operation that may have infected your system, you’ll want to put a stop to it right away with a strong antivirus tool.
AVG AntiVirus Subscription FREE will detect and block all kinds of malware infections, from cryptojacking to spyware to run-of-the-mill viruses. Download it today to get 24/7 online protection.
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