Definition
Cryptojacking is a type of cybercrime where attackers secretly use a victim's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. This illicit activity typically occurs without the user's knowledge or consent, often by embedding malicious code into websites or applications. Attackers then profit from the mined cryptocurrency, while the victim experiences performance degradation and increased energy costs. For example, a user might visit a compromised website that automatically runs cryptocurrency mining scripts in their browser. Unlike ransomware, which demands payment, cryptojacking aims for silent, sustained resource exploitation. Understanding cryptojacking is crucial for cybersecurity professionals and is frequently tested on exams like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and CISSP.