Cryptocurrency mining is a process that relies heavily on the computational power of the system used to create the currency and process transactions. However, with the potential for big financial gains, there are individuals who seek to exploit this process without making the necessary investment. These individuals, known as cryptocurrency pirates, are willing to steal computational power to mine cryptocurrency, regardless of the harm it may cause.
Both on-premise and cloud-based resources are at risk of being targeted by these hackers. They will exploit any weaknesses in security controls, auditing practices, or network access controls to install and spread their mining software. This includes targeting over-privileged users and unsecured networks to compromise systems.
One of the latest trends in cryptocurrency mining malware is the emergence of fileless malware like GhostMiner. This new type of malware is capable of removing competitor malware from an infected network, making it even more challenging to detect and mitigate.
Unauthorized crypto-mining exploits can result in a loss of productivity, network bandwidth degradation, and increased operational costs. Moreover, the failure to implement proper security measures can leave companies vulnerable to more malicious malware attacks.
To combat these resource-stealing miners, companies must prioritize implementing safeguards to increase detection and mitigation efforts. This includes building servers securely from the start, implementing basic security hygiene practices, adopting a zero-trust model, enhancing detection capabilities, and ensuring diligent patch management.
In today’s cyber warfare landscape, basic desktop and device security measures are no longer optional. It is crucial for companies to address basic security best practices to prevent exploitation by cryptomining attackers. By taking proactive measures to secure their networks and resources, companies can defend against these evolving threats and protect their computational power from falling into the wrong hands.