Header bg
  • section background

    Cryptojacking is the latest cyber threat you’ve never heard of

    Hero bg 2
    cryptojacking-is-the-latest-cyber-threat-top

    First there was hacking. Then there was ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. Now the latest kind of cyberattack is called cryptojacking.

    Although the symptoms may not be as dramatic as other forms of cyber crime, the results should not be underestimated. Also unlike most cyberattacks, the threat is not meant to be exposed.

    Essentially, cryptojacking is when a criminal hijacks a computer — a laptop, desktop, tablet, server, or even mobile device — and uses it to mine cryptocurrency without the user’s knowledge or permission.

    In order to mine cryptocurrency legally, someone has to build a dedicated cryptomining computer, and pay for the internet and power bills that go along with it. Criminals who would rather not go through that trouble and expense steal those computing resources from their victims’ equipment.

    That’s why you might not even notice that it’s happening — in fact, the criminal is hoping that you won’t notice so that he can keep it going as long as possible. But it isn’t a victimless crime. Like a leech, cryptojacking is feeding off of your resources and will tax your computer system, slowing down other processes, increasing your electrical bills, and decreases the life of your computer. An extremely subtle attack might not raise any red flags.

    This guy is completely unaware that he’s getting cryptojacked.

    If your notice the fan on your PC or Mac kick in more than usual, that could be an indication that your device is compromised. Also be on the lookout for your machine operating slower than usual.

    What motivates someone to do something like this? Money. Mining cryptocurrencies is especially lucrative when you aren’t paying anything to extract coins.

    Need Insurance for Your Small Business?

    APOLLO and Gallagher have partnered to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get a free quote online in under five minutes and receive your policy instantly.

    Get a Free Online Quote

    4.7 rating

    Google Logo

    How do cryptojackers get in?

    Like any cyberattack, by understanding how the threat works, you’re better able to defend against it.

    One of the methods used to infiltration is a classic malware strategy. The victim clicks a malicious link in an email, and the cryptomining code is installed directly onto their computer. Once infected, the cryptojacker begins mining bitcoin in the background. This is a local threat to a PC, meaning that the computer itself is infected.

    Another way it works is something called “drive-by cryptomining”. This is a piece of code installed on a web page. When victims visit that page, their machines begin cryptomining for the criminal.

    What’s the best way to defend against cryptojacking?

    As you can see, this kind of cyber crime is very hard to detect. Once detected, it’s also difficult to detect the source of the infection. The best offence is a good defence: getting a security solution installed before the attack is far better than getting it after.

    One solution is to block JavaScript in your browser so that it’s unable to victimize you as you browse the internet. The downside is that you may use JavaScript for other things. You can get programs that block mining activities in certain browsers.

    The best solution is probably to get a comprehensive cybersecurity program to run on your devices.

    Need Insurance for Your Small Business?

    APOLLO and Gallagher have partnered to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get a free quote online in under five minutes and receive your policy instantly.

    Originally published March 13, 2019, updated October 29, 2024

    Back to APOLLO Magazine
    Share this article

    Looking for tenant insurance?

    Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.

    Looking for tenant insurance?

    Get no-nonsense coverage that's the best value for your money. Purchase policies from your computer or phone, receive your documents instantly, and save when you buy online.

    Relevant articles

    complete index blogs apollo canada

    A Complete Index of APOLLO’s Insurance Blogs

    the-creative-exchange-7aKbIqfIEMw-unsplash

    Here’s how you can take more effective breaks

    office-insurance

    Why office insurance is important for your business

    maliha-mannan-8gn_WhKv8Ns-unsplash

    The benefits of procrastination

    section background
    section background

    Getting insured is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3

    Tell us (very little) about yourself
    1

    Tell us (very little) about yourself

    Just tell us your address, your name, email and phone number. And that's it. We'll give you a price in less than a minute.

    Pay online easily and securely
    2

    Pay online easily and securely

    You can choose to pay monthly or save money by paying for the entire year in one easy payment.

    Get your documents in your inbox - instantly
    3

    Get your documents in your inbox - instantly

    As soon as you complete your purchase, you'll find your proof of insurance and policy documents waiting for you in your inbox.

    Get covered today - it couldn’t be easier

    We’ve provided more than 1,000,000 quotes to Canadians just like you. Give it a try!

    Google Logo

    Reviews

    4.7 rating

    2,163 reviews

    view all

    Across Canada

    Contact Us
    Apollo logo

    © 2024 APOLLO Insurance Solutions Ltd.

    111 Water Street, Unit 210, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 1A7

    APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. (o/a APOLLO Brokerage in the province of Ontario only) is a licensed retail brokerage, offering our clients with a comprehensive set of insurance solutions to meet their individual needs. APOLLO Insurance Agency Ltd. maintains necessary corporate licensing in provinces across Canada. Availability of products and service depends on licensing and product availability. The information that appears on this page is provided for information purposes only. Advertised products and prices are not guaranteed and vary based on insurance provider and/or insurance company's discretion and product availability.

    Transparency and Disclosure: APOLLO Insurance Agency's role is to provide you with exceptional service and the best insurance products that suit your needs. As a licensed retail brokerage, our compensation is based on a commission basis already built into your insurance premium and varies based on the product purchased through our platform. For a description of how APOLLO Insurance Agency is compensated and how this is calculated, please refer to our Compensation Disclosure document. For consumers in Ontario, please review the RIBO Conduct Fact Sheet and the RIBO Conduct Guidance document.