Hi everyone and welcome to my homework post week 5. I have learned all new things from this wonderful detailed lecture. Thanks to Professor @gbenga for this amazing lecture. Let's get started.

Security is needed everywhere. Whether one is running a small business or big organization, security is the important factor to be considered. In the same way, when we talk about cryptocurrency, Decentralized network, wallet, exchange etc., it also raises the question of security. In Blockchain network, it is deemed to be a very secure network, but still there may be some issues regarding security. As it is decentralized and no central controlling authority and we, the people, are totally responsible for its security, so it must be taken seriously.

In crypto world, the security starts with the wallet as wallets are used to keep cryptocurrency safe. These wallets can be custodial or non-custodial, as we have discussed in previous lectures. When creating a wallet, a private key is provided to user in non-custodial wallet, and it is very important for transactions and it is the main thing that can prevent the user from losing his money in his wallet. So private key should be kept safe by the users.

Today I am going to discuss in detail about a security problem, which is Cryptojacking.

What is Cryptojacking?

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Cryptojacking is a term used for unauthorized use of a computer for mining of cryptocurrency. Hackers use this technique to use someone’s computer for cryptocurrency mining without authorization from the user. In Cryptojacking, the victim is provided with a malicious link, code or online ad with JavaScript. When the victim clicks on this link or code, the code is loaded on the computer and then it auto-executes after being loaded. This cryptomining code works in the background and user does not even aware of the fact that his computer is being used by some unauthorized hackers. In Cryptojacking, a victim computer works slowly and execution is delayed.

How it works?

There are two primary ways of Cryptojacking. One is the way where a user is attracted to click on a code that is loaded on the computer and then it works in the background normally. This cryptomining code is sent to users through emails that looks legitimate and attract user to click on it. When a user clicks on the link, it is loaded on the computer and starts mining cryptocurrency in the background.

Other method of Cryptojacking is to inject a script on a website through some earning-ads. When a user visits the website and click on such good looking, attractive ads about earning easy money, the script runs on the computer automatically.

By using any of these methods, a computer is used by the hackers for cryptomining purposes without any authorization from the user. This is how it works.

How to detect Cryptojacking and its solution?

It is very difficult for a user to detect Cryptojacking. But still it can be detected and can be prevented. Here are some points to be noted in case of Cryptojacking.

1. A system gets overheated when a script is being run in the background.

2. A user can check CPU usage. If usage of CPU is increased, then it can be a Cryptojacking attack by hackers.

3. Keeping in view both above given cases, it will cause the decrease in performance. It can also be noted and Cryptojacking can be detected.

4. Now days, AI (Artificial intelligence) are being developed and these can be used to detect Cryptojacking.

When Cryptojacking is detected, a user can take following measures to solve this problem.

1. The script of cryptojacking being run on system should be deleted.

2. User should block such websites from where scripts are being delivered to the users computer.

3. User can update the infected system and browser to delete scripts from the system.

In the above given ways, cryptojacking can be stopped from the system.

How to prevent Cryptojacking?

Usually it is very difficult to detect and solve cryptojacking. But it can easily be prevented by taking some precautionary measures. These are listed below.

1. User should install ad blockers which are easily available and can help in preventing cryptojacking.

2. User should not click on links that are not from trusted websites or emails.

3. Always download applications from trusted websites. Do not download such applications that come from the providers, not trusted.

4. If a user is not using his system for crypto mining purposes, then anti crypto mining software should be installed to prevent Cryptojacking.

5. A user should browse internet with java script disabled on the system. This can also help in preventing cryptojacking.

I have not been victim to cryptojacking ever, so it can be said that I have no such experience.

Thanks in anticipation.

@steemcurator01

@steemcurator02

@steemitblog

@gbenga

Regards,

@mawattoo8