3 Red Flags to Watch Out for in Cryptojacking

 

This information is also available on my YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/ZNcmECarIlQ    

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/norbert-gostischa/episodes/3-Red-Flags-to-Watch-Out-for-in-Cryptojacking-e333mne

🚨Ever feel like your computer’s trying out for a triathlon while you're just opening Word? Or maybe your phone gets hotter than a summer sidewalk when you're only checking your email? 👀

Yeah… you might be the unpaid intern in someone else’s crypto mining operation.🪙💻

Let’s talk cryptojacking — the sneaky malware that turns your devices into cryptocurrency miners without your permission.

What Is Cryptojacking? - Cryptojacking is when cybercriminals secretly install malware on your device to use its power for mining cryptocurrency.

They get rich💰- You get a dead battery🔋, a sky-high electric bill⚡, and a laptop that sounds like it’s trying to take off✈️.

It’s stealthy, it’s frustrating, and it often goes unnoticed for months - But not if you know what to look for.

🔻Red Flag #1 - Sluggish Performance

🐢Your device is suddenly crawling - Apps freeze, browsers stutter, and even typing gets laggy.

This is one of the earliest signs that something is hogging your system’s resources. Cryptojacking malware leeches off your CPU and GPU to mine coins like Bitcoin, Monero, and Ethereum.

If your device acts like it’s doing your taxes while you're just opening Spotify — that’s suspicious.

🛠️Quick tip - Open your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and check for high CPU usage by unfamiliar or weirdly named processes.

🔻Red Flag #2 - Overheating for No Reason

🔥Does your phone or laptop heat up like a toaster during the simplest tasks?

That’s not normal - Cryptojacking scripts push your hardware to the limit, constantly running in the background. Even when your screen is off, your device might still be crunching numbers — just not for you.

This kind of heat can damage components over time and reduce your device’s lifespan.

🛠️Quick tip - Listen for fans running louder than usual or batteries draining faster than your patience on a Monday morning.

🔻Red Flag #3 - High CPU Usage When Idle

📈If your system usage spikes when you’re not even using your device — that’s a big red flag.

Cryptojackers rely on stealth. They install malware through shady downloads, malicious browser extensions, or infected websites that run scripts without you clicking a thing.

If your CPU graph looks like a roller coaster while you’re doing nothing — someone else is probably riding it.

🛠️Quick tip - Check your browser’s resource usage and disable any suspicious extensions or tabs.

🛡️How to Protect Yourself from Cryptojacking:

Okay, now you know the warning signs — but how do you stay safe?

✅Use reputable antivirus software - Good security software can detect and block cryptojacking malware before it settles in.

✅Install browser extensions that block mining scripts, like No Coin or MinerBlock.

✅Keep your operating system and software up to date. Most cryptojacking attacks exploit old vulnerabilities.

✅Be careful with downloads. Only install software and browser extensions from trusted sources.

✅Educate your team or household. Cryptojacking can spread through networks. If one person clicks the wrong link, everyone could be affected.

✅Monitor your system. Periodically check performance stats, especially if things feel off.

💬Final Thoughts - Cryptojacking may not steal your data, but it does steal your device's power, your time, and your money. It's like a vampire — but for electricity.

Stay safe, stay secure and by watching for these red flags and taking a few precautions, you can keep your systems running smoothly and your electricity bill out of the danger zone.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

"I’ll see you again soon. Bye-bye and thanks for reading watching and listening."