Cryptocurrency

Is your computer secretly being used for crypto mining?

It’s staggering to realize that Bitcoin, the very first cryptocurrency, splashed onto the scene almost a decade ago. It’s only been over this past year that digital coinage has really gained its tremendous popularity. As of January 2018, there are well over one thousand varieties of cryptocurrency in circulation — Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, IOTA and many more.

But whether you participate in the buying and selling of cryptocurrency or you know nothing about it, you could be a victim of cryptojacking. Oftentimes, people don’t even notice that their machine has been hijacked. Here’s what you need to know in order to defend yourself.

It’s the age of cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is digital money you use to make secure and anonymous online payments without involving a bank. All the purchases and transfers are encrypted, stored, and recorded in a ledger. The later is known as a blockchain, a kind of living history book of cryptocurrency. All its data securely encrypted with uncrackable code.

Every single transaction for every single bit of cryptocurrency is recorded in the blockchain. This requires an enormous amount of computer processing power, and that’s where the cryptominers come in. Continue reading →