Just when you feel like you’ve heard about all the cyber threats and attacks that can compromise your digital technology, you learn that hackers have discovered new methods of intrusion and infection.
It doesn’t just feel that way. That’s the way it is.
Don’t let our blog title mislead you, the threat, danger, and cost of ransomware still exist. It’s just that when ransomware artists realize that crypto-jacking is much easier and much more lucrative, the scammers are likely to jump on the new wave of tech crime.
The Effect of Ransomware
The average likelihood that a hacker will obtain a ransom via a ransomware attack is about three times out of 100 attacks. The current success rate for crypto-jacking is 100 out of 100.
In fact, crypto-jacking is escalating rapidly and, with the current fascination with the crypto-currency market on the rise, it is likely that the trend in cybercrime will follow. A recent report indicated that there were about 15,000 crypto-jacking alerts in May 2017. By February 2018, that number had risen to 280,000.
By now, you are probably wondering what crypto-jacking is. We certainly hope so. That’s why we are writing this blog. Here’s what you need to know.
- Crypto-jacking does not attack your system per se. It infiltrates and enlists your devices to attack others. But this is not a case of “no harm, no foul.” Complex codes installed on your digital assets operate in the background, sending results to a server the hacker is using.
- The codes find their way onto your system devices using tried-and-true phishing and malware techniques, i.e., by getting you to click on links in legitimate-looking emails or on infected pop-up ads on a website you are browsing.
In effect, your computer is being hijacked via old techniques, not to attack you, but to do mine cryptocurrencies from others.
The problem your system is that crypto-jacking is like a debilitating disease on your system’s devices. You can’t see it. It is not eating your lunch, but it is eating your resources. While you are enjoying your pastrami on rye, the codes are eating up your processing resources. Eventually, your digital technology will be working more for the hacker than it is for you. You probably won’t notice a thing until your computer is no longer performing wonders faster than a speeding bullet but acting like it wants to take a nap.
We want you to be informed. But we also want you to know that we’ve got your back. Tech Sentries monitors and protects your systems, even from unseen parasites like the codes running at the behest of crypto-jackers.
All we ask of you is to be steadfast in doing your part to keep yourself and other users of your system away from suspicious links and intriguing pop-up ads that may have more to offer you than advertised.
We are as concerned about your technology security as you are. Your computer system security is our business. That’s why Tech Sentries is always on duty. Contact us today to learn how we can help you “GUARD YOUR TECHNOLOGY” (843-282-2222).
Joe Thibodeau
Tech Sentries Inc
2105 Leopold Street
Johns Island, SC 29455
843-282-2222 Office/Fax
843-902-6885 Cell
https://www.techsentries.com