# cryptojacking

> hijacking a target's processing power in order to mine cryptocurrency on the hacker's behalf

**Wikidata**: [Q107121219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107121219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptojacking)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cryptojacking

## Summary
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of a target's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency without their consent. It involves hijacking processing power to generate new monetary units through cryptographic hashes, typically performed by cybercriminals to profit from the stolen computational work.

## Key Facts
- Cryptojacking is a subclass of cryptocurrency mining and cybercrime, involving the hijacking of processing power.
- The technique is documented in cybersecurity resources, including Kaspersky's definition of cryptojacking.
- Cryptojacking attacks have been documented across multiple Wikipedia language editions, indicating its widespread recognition.
- The term "cryptojacking" is used in Reddit discussions, reflecting its relevance in online communities.
- Cryptojacking relies on generating cryptographic hashes of transaction data to create new cryptocurrency units.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary goal of cryptojacking?
A: Cryptojacking aims to exploit a target's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency, generating profits for the attacker without the victim's knowledge or consent.

### Q: How does cryptojacking differ from traditional cybercrime?
A: Unlike many cybercrimes that target data theft or ransomware, cryptojacking focuses on resource hijacking for cryptocurrency mining, leveraging the victim's processing power.

### Q: What are the common methods used in cryptojacking attacks?
A: Cryptojacking typically involves injecting malicious scripts or malware into a target's system, which then uses the device's CPU to mine cryptocurrency in the background.

## Why It Matters
Cryptojacking poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations by exploiting their computational resources without permission. This form of cybercrime can slow down devices, increase energy consumption, and generate revenue for attackers. Unlike traditional malware, cryptojacking operates silently, making it difficult to detect and mitigate. The rise of cryptojacking highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who continuously seek new ways to monetize stolen resources. As cryptocurrency mining becomes more integrated into digital infrastructure, the risk of cryptojacking may grow, necessitating stronger cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorized resource exploitation.

## Notable For
- Cryptojacking is a specific type of cybercrime that leverages cryptocurrency mining to generate illicit profits.
- It is recognized as a subclass of both cryptocurrency mining and cybercrime, with documented cases in cybersecurity literature.
- The term "cryptojacking" is widely referenced in Wikipedia across multiple languages, indicating its global relevance.
- Cryptojacking attacks have been discussed in online forums like Reddit, reflecting its presence in digital communities.
- The technique involves generating cryptographic hashes to create new cryptocurrency units, distinguishing it from other forms of resource exploitation.

## Body
### Definition and Mechanism
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of a target's processing power to mine cryptocurrency. This involves deploying malicious scripts or malware that exploits idle CPU cycles to generate cryptocurrency hashes, typically without the user's knowledge. The attacker profits from the stolen computational work, often using the mined coins to fund further criminal activities.

### Classification and Relationships
Cryptojacking is classified as a subclass of both cryptocurrency mining and cybercrime. It shares similarities with other forms of cybercrime, such as hijacking, but is distinct in its focus on resource exploitation for cryptocurrency generation. The term is widely recognized in cybersecurity literature, with references in academic and industry sources.

### Impact and Detection
Cryptojacking can significantly impact a target's system performance, leading to slower processing speeds and increased energy consumption. Unlike traditional malware, cryptojacking often operates in the background, making it difficult to detect through conventional security measures. Cybersecurity professionals have documented cases of cryptojacking, highlighting the need for advanced detection and mitigation strategies.

### Global Recognition
Cryptojacking is documented in Wikipedia across multiple languages, including Arabic, Catalan, English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malayalam, and Polish. This indicates its global recognition and relevance in cybersecurity discussions. The term is also referenced in online communities, such as Reddit, reflecting its presence in digital discourse.

### Future Implications
As cryptocurrency mining becomes more integrated into digital infrastructure, the risk of cryptojacking may increase. Cybercriminals are likely to continue developing new tactics to exploit computational resources, necessitating ongoing cybersecurity advancements to protect against unauthorized mining activities.

## References

1. [What is Cryptojacking and how does it work?](https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-cryptojacking)