This is a Fast-Air Tech Talk security notice. The Tech Talk security notice is a free service for all Fast-Air customers. Please suggest security notice topics.

Cryptomining is an activity where people try to create revenues through digital currencies. The activity requires significant computer CPU and GPU muscle. The more CPUs and GPUs involved the higher the potential profits.

Shady cryptomining advocates are resorting to “cryptojacking” other people’s computers. These malicious users covertly run scripts and programs on other people’s computers to use that computer and electricity to participate in the overall cryptomining scheme. Often this causes a user’s computer CPU and GPU to run at maximum speed, which often results in the respective fans running at full speed.

Cryptojackers use web browsers and phone apps to steal CPU and GPU cycles, but also use known software vulnerabilities to hack into computers to run their scripts and programs.

Users who notice their computers running at maximum speed while performing normal tasks might want to look if their computer has been cryptojacked, especially when visiting certain web sites.

Always keep computers updated with the latest security patches.

A simple option to avoid cryptojacking is avoiding shady or malicious web sites.

Users can check anti-malware software to see if cryptomining blocking options are available.

Add-ons are available for popular web browsers, but exercise caution that the add-on itself is not malware. Firefox, Chrome, and Chromium users might look at the No Coin add-on or use a trusted ad-blocker add-on. Firefox users can benefit by learning to use the NoScript add-on, which is a tool to create JavaScript white lists for trusted web sites. Any site not in the white list is prevented from running JavaScript scripts, which is the common way to cryptojack web browsers.

For those a bit more tech savvy another protection is to add known cryptomining web sites to their operating system’s host file. Such a list is available online.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Backwoods Geek

Backwoods Geek wrote his first computer program in 1977. He started using desktop computers in 1982 to write training and job aids. These days his home includes routers, switches, computers, a home theater PC, a laptop, and bluetooth phones. His professional career includes instrumentation and controls, computers, industrial training, technical writing, and teaching computer classes. Pastimes include sitting on the front porch, observing wildlife, cutting firewood, reading, watching movies, and tinkering with computers. He is uncomfortable around morning people until afternoon, likes dry and off-the-wall humor, and usually tells jokes with a straight face. He is a believer in the old adage that, "No matter where you go, there you are."

Latest posts by Backwoods Geek (see all)

• Free Gift Phishing Scams (Notice 2020-001) - January 15, 2020
• Tech Support Phone Scam (Notice 2019-001) - March 14, 2019
• VPNFilter Router Malware (Notice 2018-007) - May 30, 2018