While you click on yet another article about the threats of ransomware, a new, more insidious form of malware has taken over the web. Cryptojackers might sound like ransomware, but they operate in nearly the exact opposite way: Instead of making their presence known fast, cryptojackers try to hide themselves deep in your processor.
And, instead of demanding cash for your data, they couldn’t care less about what salacious pictures are stored on your device; they are draining your bank account indirectly.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about cryptojackers, that’s bad news – you probably already have one on your computer. Worse, more are on the horizon, sure to attack your devices soon. Here’s more of what you should know about the practice of cryptojacking and how you can stay safe as the malware trend grows.
What Cryptojackers AreEven if you haven’t heard of cryptojackers, you’ve likely heard of cryptocurrency. Digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are becoming immensely popular; they may eventually take over existing national currencies like the euro or the U.S. dollar.
This is because cryptocurrencies are more secure than national currencies; they cannot be counterfeited or stolen. Most importantly, if you own cryptocurrency, it is yours; financial institutions or government agencies cannot freeze it or seize it.
Cryptocurrency is generated by a process called “mining,” which is essentially setting a device to solve algorithms. However, the process is expensive: It requires costly hardware – which is becoming increasingly scarce – and energy which can drive up utilities bills.
Thus, instead of using their own devices to mine cryptocurrency, some hackers have developed malware programs that use other people’s devices – including yours. Because this malware hijacks your device for others’ nefarious gain, it is called cryptojacking malware.
Why Cryptojackers WorkMost types of malware make their presence known, in one way or another, relatively quickly. For example, ransomware makes it a point to be found; a significant part of its attack strategy is alerting users to its presence and demanding payment or action. However, cryptojackers want the exact opposite.
Instead of stomping in and wreaking havoc, cryptojackers want to be sneaky and silent. They slip into your device and nestle deep, secretly sapping processing power to mine the cryptocurrency their creators crave.
Because cryptojackers don’t behave the way users (or many basic antivirus programs) expect, they can linger for months or years, slowing device activity and degrading hardware without intervention. This strange behavior – coupled with their relative newness and users’ unfamiliarity with them – is largely why cryptojackers continue to work.
How to Keep Your Devices SafeRegardless of whether you want to engage in cryptocurrency mining yourself or not, you do not want a cryptojacker on your device.
Cryptojackers pull energy away from the processes you want your device to complete, like videos, games or work-related applications, and they prematurely age your device, requiring pricey maintenance or replacement.
Thus, you should be doing everything you can to keep all your devices safe from cryptojacking malware – and the first step is taking advantage of an antivirus security advisor.
Tools like this will alert you to suspicious websites, links and downloads, helping you avoid infection by any sort of malicious program. You should be certain that the tool you install is capable of detecting known cryptominers; it is best to choose an option from a well-known and trustworthy cybersecurity firm.
Of course, you should also always practice cyber hygiene, using your own senses to detect potential threats to your device. For instance, you should avoid opening emails and direct messages from unfamiliar senders, and you should never click on links or attachments contained in those messages. You might also learn about the signs of cryptojacker infection and look for them on your device.
Where to Get HelpOnce you are certain that your device has a cryptojacker installed, you need to act fast to understand how the mining malware is functioning so you can stop it.
The solution might be as easy as closing a browser tab – but it might be as difficult as reaching into your computer registry and altering some script.
If you feel uncertain about meddling with a cryptojacker, you should contact your security provider; they often have customer service tools to walk you through eliminating certain malware from your system.
Related Topics What is a Smart Contract How to Buy and Sell Bitcoin Mining Bitcoins Ambitious Blockchain Projects Transfer Money from UK Mobile Banking in Nigeria Mobile Money in Nigeria Internet BankingThe post More Cryptojackers on the Horizon appeared first on Nigeria Technology Guide.
It has not always been so, but the mobile gaming sector is growing at an unprecedented rate. This year, it has exceeded $50 billion and by 2020, it will ascend to $72 billion market. The latter millstone would pose a whopping 200% increase in just six years.
The technology has certainly played a vital role. Mobile devices are more powerful and accessible than ever before and they also have one huge edge over PC and consoles: they are highly portable and convenient. All of this makes them a gaming force to be reckoned with.
The Sleeping Giant AwakensThe mobile gaming industry is no longer struggling to drive sales and establish credibility.
It already accounts for almost half of global gaming revenue, 43% of time spent on smartphones, and 80% of all app revenue. What is more, gaming audience is estimated to 2.1 billion users worldwide. The craziest thing is that is just the beginning.
New players, developers, publishers, marketers, content creators, and influencers are flocking to this booming frontier. Huge untapped markets such as India and Indonesia are yet to fully contribute to the further expansion of the mobile ecosystem. All of this is to say that before long, mobile will become larger than the console and PC games combined.
Of course, these entrenched sectors have no intention of staying on the back foot, so it would be premature to announce their demise.
Winning the Hearts of GamersFor a growing army of gamers of today, mobile is the platform of choice.
Simply put, people adore a chance to fit a bunch of games in the pocket. They crave unparalleled convenience, affordability, and ease of use. They are ditching other devices as the time spent on mobile gaming and frequency of play ramp up.
Titles like Candy Crush, Pokémon Go, and Clash of Clans have proven it possible to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue on an annual basis. But, nobody wants to rest on the laurels— the competition is mounting.
In 2018, we have seen some amazing mobile games. A few deserving a special mention are PUBG Mobile, Hearthstone, Sims Mobile, and Alto’s Odyssey. There are also some upcoming titles like Stardew Valley and the Elder’s Scroll: Blades that bring even more evidence of mobile gaming’s bright future.
A surge is even taking place in sectors like online gambling. Leading providers are offering highly highly realistic games with new gameplay features, great graphics, and captivating themes. They aspire to emulate live casino experience and offer the fair environment for earning real money. Indeed, it has never been easier, safer, and more enjoyable to swipe your way to fortunes.
More marvels around the cornerIncreased processing power, unlimited data plans, and better graphical ability— these advancements have paved the way for mobile gaming so far. Now, it is time for a fresh revolution in gameplay to take place.
Namely, the new technology is underway. Supported by more powerful hardware Ultra HD, content streaming, gyroscopic tech,4K,VR, and AR will shake things up and bring immersion to the whole new level. They will allow developers to craft in-depth storytelling, engaging gameplay, and engrossing graphics.
We place our hopes in AR and VR in particular. With fewer software and hardware limitations to deal with, they will act as real game-changers. They are primed to hit the mainstream and possibly dominate the eSports landscape in years to come.
ConclusionNo other sector seems to be able to match the sheer scale and accessibility of the mobile gaming market. This young industry has evolved almost beyond recognition, propelled by shifting user preferences, rapid tech innovation, and other favorable winds.
In fact, mobile is encroaching in domains that consoles and PCs used to reign uncontested. Albeit small, mobile devices pack a big punch and provide a riveting gaming experience. So, like it or not, mobile is the future and that future is now.
Related Topics Sony PS4 Sony PS4 Pro Buying a Gaming Chair XBox One Beginner’s Guide XBox One X Sony PlayStation Vita XBox OneThe post The Mobile Gaming Boom of 2018-2020 appeared first on Nigeria Technology Guide.
