While blockchain technology represents one of the safest ways to secure and keep your funds, hackers are also trying to keep track of the most recent technologies and security measures to try to find a way to bypass high levels of security. In that matter, it is very important to earn how to store your Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies most safely. The safest method is to keep them on your e-wallet, especially offline ones while choosing to store them on some online platform like crypto exchange might bring some risks. There were already some cases where thefts managed to steal millions from online crypto platforms. Also, you should beware of unknown sources when it comes to trading websites as well. You can visit techround.co.uk to read more about the important factors that you should know before choosing the right online exchange.
Furthermore, we have to mention cryptojacking, which is one of the most recent methods that hackers are using to exploit sources of other people to mine cryptocurrencies. They are using various methods for this technique. Some of the most common are malware files that can start using your PC for mining and adding a code to your website. The main issue is that you might not notice that on time. Here are some of the best ways to find out if someone is secretly mine cryptocurrencies on your computer.
1. Overheating Hardware
Hardware is the most important part of the mining process, especially the graphics card. Since the mining process is getting more difficult over time, people need more resources for the efficient creating of blocks of codes. That is especially important for Bitcoin. Today, we have big mining centers where miners are combining hundreds of mining rigs for more efficient processes. However, some of them might try to use some alternative ways to get enough resources, and sharing malware files is one of them. The blockchain coding requires high spec hardware, and you could notice that something is not right with your PC in case it starts overheating even when you are not running any demanding operations on it. That is the sign for checking all of the files and look for malware and viruses.
2. Inspect Your Websites
Another method is adding a secret code to your websites where they could use the resources from the server to create blocks of codes. The best way to find if someone is using your websites is to check their performances. Additional files and codes that are not part of your online platform could make it become much slower, which can have a negative effect on your business by making the clients less attracted to your website.
3. Scan You PC Regularly
The main issue with this type of cyber-attacks is that most standard antivirus software’s are not able to detect this type of malware. In that matter, you should try to find some advanced options that could detect unauthorized blockchain processes on your computer. Moreover, you should check all of the files in your PC and if you notice that there are some unknown processes in your system, that might be a sign for this issue.
4. Lower Performances
The most common indication that someone might be using your resources for mining is if you notice that your PC suddenly became less capable of opening advanced programs and video games. It is quite useful to know that this method of cybercriminal exists since many people would think how they should replace some of the hardware, while the issue will continue after that as well. The main problem is for business where computers are connected, and hackers might easily infect all of them by reaching to one unit.
5. Check the Usage of CPU
Another method that can help you to check if someone is using this method is to monitor the processes run by the CPU. You can easily check that by opening the task manager and see if some unknown programs are using a lot of the memory and processing power. Moreover, you should know that hackers might activate unauthorized mining even after you visit some websites. That is another reason to avoid unknown sources.
6. Learn More About This Issue
As we already mentioned, hackers are trying to find new ways to add malware files and exploit your resources in their favor. Therefore, you should stay informed about this problem by reading news on relevant websites like Today on Chain, Coin Desk, and Crypto Slate, which are platforms where experts in the word of blockchain are providing people with the most recent news about cryptocurrencies, advanced security measures, potential threats, and more.
How to Avoid This Problem?
First of all, being informed that this method exists is the best way to avoid it by learning more about the ways to avoid getting malware files or visiting suspicious websites. Also, if you own a company, you will have to educate your employees about this issue. For example, you will have to explain to them the importance of using the PCs in the office only for professional matters. Nevertheless, you can use an additional measure of protection by installing the anti-mining program in the browser. Another method is to add ad block into the extensions of your browser. One of the best ways to stay safe while browsing the internet is to turn off the JavaScript that will prevent hackers from entering the mining code into your software.
Conclusion
As you can see, even the blockchain technology that is one of the safest systems for storing data and making transactions today have some risks from cyber-attacks. Therefore, you should always pay attention to keep the password of your e-wallet safe and avoid any suspicious files and websites while on PC. Even though they are not able to steal anything with this technique, you will struggle with lower performances and even get higher electricity bills at the end of the month. In that matter, be sure to learn more about all of the methods they are using to trick people and find a way to improve the levels of security.
