Cryptojacking, in the context of security and cybersecurity, refers to the unauthorized use of a computer's or a network's processing power to mine cryptocurrencies, most commonly cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero. This activity is carried out by malicious actors, often without the knowledge or consent of the computer's owner or the organization responsible for the network.

Malware, such as programs for mining cryptocurrencies, is usually installed by cryptojackers on websites, applications, or computer systems. The computations needed for Bitcoin mining are complex by the device's processing power when a user opens an infected program or visits an infected webpage. The attacker's digital wallet receives the created cryptocurrency after that.

The performance of the impacted devices may be significantly affected by this action, which may also result in higher energy usage. Cryptojacking can represent unlawful access and control over computing resources, potentially revealing weaknesses in a system, even though it is typically less dangerous than other cyber threats like ransomware or data breaches. To make sure that computer resources aren't taken advantage of for nefarious ends, cybersecurity measures such as cryptojacking detection and prevention are crucial.

The ThreatNG all-in-one external attack surface management (EASM), digital risk protection (DRP), and security ratings solution significantly enhance an organization's defense against cryptojacking threats. By continuously monitoring and evaluating the organization's external digital footprint, including websites and online assets, it proactively identifies vulnerabilities that could be exploited for cryptojacking. This proactive approach complements internal security measures, enabling timely remediation actions, like patching and threat intelligence sharing, to prevent unauthorized use of computing resources for crypto-mining activities. Doing so reinforces the organization's overall cybersecurity posture, safeguarding computing resources and preventing performance degradation and energy consumption caused by cryptojacking incidents.