Cryptocurrency investors find no other activity as profitable or risky as using an internet-connected computer. Trading can yield significant gains, or you can easily lose all your savings by becoming a target of attackers. These days, many people complain about their devices overheating and high CPU usage. Let’s discuss the risks and how to detect them.
Why Does a Computer Overheat?
One of the most searched topics these days is high CPU usage. Global Google Trends data shows a significant increase in searches on this topic as of April. Cryptojacking attacks usually cause devices to slow down, consume excessive power, and overheat.
Cryptojacking uses your device’s computing power to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge. Attackers turn many computers into mining devices using free internet, computing power, and electricity.
These applications also act as backdoors on devices. Sometimes, they run malicious software remotely to collect information, leading directly to emptying wallets.
Your Device May Be at Risk
Google searches reached a four-year high in April, indicating that more investors are at risk. Not only computers but also smartphones are targeted by attackers. Unlike ransomware or data breaches, cryptojacking incidents are much harder to detect. Most victims think it’s related to their hardware.
CoinJournal (net) reported a 400% increase in attacks, so it’s worth checking your device. Onose Enaholo, a Financial Analyst at CoinJournal, says:
“Cryptojacking represents a new stage in cybercrime; the goal is no longer to steal your data or even your money but to take over your computer’s processing power. The fourfold growth in crypto hacking requires both individuals and organizations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies to include protecting their device’s processing power, not just their data.”
Bobby Cornwell, Vice President of Product Security at SonicWall, highlights the exponential increase in crypto hacking while ransomware attacks decrease. This area attracts attackers.
Rebecca Campbell from CoinJournal describes it as a silent threat, but it’s important to pay attention to some signs.
- Performance Drop: Devices that slow down unusually, suddenly slow down, and crash.
- Overheating: Devices used for constant mining run at full capacity for long periods and overheat. This shortens the device’s lifespan and poses fire hazards.
- High CPU Usage: Unexpected increases in CPU usage are common signs of crypto hacking. Monitor CPU usage intensity by application using the task manager.
- Battery Drain: Mining tasks require significant energy, so rapid battery depletion, especially in mobile devices, is a strong indicator.
- Increased Fan Noise: Fans run at higher speeds as the system tries to cool overheated components.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
CoinJournal experts suggest that well-known antivirus programs can help solve the problem. Paid versions can monitor metrics like power consumption in real-time and eliminate threats. They can also directly prevent known malware as most malicious applications are identified in the data pool.
There are applications that block ads and crypto mining. This prevents websites you visit from mining using your computing power. Using applications like Wireshark to analyze network packets and periodically monitor them can help you see if there is any data flow from your device.
