crypto-jacking
Crypto-jacking is a new and upcoming form of cybercrime where perpetrators use a victim’s computational resources to mine for cryptocurrency. This can happen without the victim’s knowledge or consent, and often results in the victim’s machine runningslowly and/or using excessive amounts of electricity. In some cases, crypto-jacking can also lead to hardware damage.
Crypto-jacking is typically performed using a script or code that is injected into a website or online ad. When the victim visits the compromised website or clicks on the malicious ad, the code is executed and the victim’s machine begins mining for cryptocurrency. The mined cryptocurrency is then funneled back to the perpetrator.
There are a few different types of crypto-jacking, including browser-based mining, in-app mining, and drive-by mining.
Browser-based mining is the most common type of crypto-jacking. This is where a victim’s machine is used to mine cryptocurrency while they are browsing the internet. The mining script is injected into a website or ad that the victim visits. When the victim’s browser loads the website or ad, the script starts mining for cryptocurrency.
In-app mining is where a victim’s machine is used to mine cryptocurrency while they are using a specific application. The mining script is injected into the application. When the victim uses the application, the script starts mining for cryptocurrency.
Drive-by mining is where a victim’s machine is used to mine cryptocurrency while they are visiting a specific website. The mining script is injected into the website. When the victim visits the website, the script starts mining for cryptocurrency.
There are a few different ways to protect yourself from crypto-jacking.
First, you can use an ad blocker or script blocker. These will prevent crypto-jacking scripts from executing on your machine.
Second, you can use a cryptocurrency mining blocker. This will block cryptocurrency mining domains and IP addresses.
Third, you can disable JavaScript. This will prevent most crypto-jacking scripts from executing.
Fourth, you can use a virtual private network (VPN). This will encrypt your traffic and make it more difficult for attackers to inject crypto-jacking scripts into websites.
Lastly, you can keep your software and operating system up to date. This will help to patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by crypto-jacking scripts.
Crypto-jacking is a new and emerging form of cybercrime. It is important to be aware of the dangers of crypto-jacking and take steps to protect yourself..Extra resources
social engineering
Most people think of hacking as something done solely by computer experts. However, a relatively new and dangerous form of hacking is called social engineering. This type of hacking uses psychological manipulation to trick people into giving up confidential information or performing an action that will compromise their organization.
Social engineering can take many forms, but most attacks have a few things in common. First, the attacker will try to gain your trust. They may do this by pretending to be someone you know or by pretending to be from a trusted organization. Second, the attacker will try to elicit sensitive information from you, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Finally, the attacker will try to get you to perform an action that will compromise your organization, such as clicking on a malicious link.
One of the most common social engineering attacks is phishing. In a phishing attack, the attacker will send you an email that looks like it’s from a trusted source, such as your bank. The email will usually contain a link that takes you to a fake website that looks like the real thing. The attacker will then try to get you to enter your login information or other sensitive information on this fake website.
Another common social engineering attack is called baiting. In a baiting attack, the attacker will leave a USB drive or other storage device in a place where it is likely to be found, such as a parking lot or lobby. The storage device will usually have a enticing file name, such as “confidential” or “salary.” If the device is plugged into a computer, it can infect the computer with malware.
Social engineering attacks can be difficult to defend against because they exploit human vulnerabilities. The best defense against social engineering is education and awareness. Organizations should educate their employees about the dangers of social engineering and how to defend against it. Employees should be on the lookout for phishing emails and baiting devices, and they should not click on links or open attachments from untrusted sources.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a social engineering attack, it’s important to act quickly. Change any passwords that may have been compromised and run a virus scan on your computer. You should also notify your employer so they can take steps to protect other employees.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most dangerous computer virus in the world. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.