Cryptojacking
Stealthy use of someone else's device to mine cryptocurrency – often via tampered websites or apps.
Cryptojacking is the stealthy use of someone else's compute power to mine cryptocurrency. Common vectors: JavaScript in the browser (drive-by mining), infected apps, or hacked servers.
Symptoms: elevated power draw, hot hardware, loud fans, sluggish computer. A modern antivirus blocks mining scripts automatically.
Why this matters in 2026
Cryptojacking rose again in 2026 as crypto prices climbed. Main vectors: hacked WordPress sites with embedded JavaScript miners, browser extensions from unofficial sources and, since early 2026, tampered VS Code extensions. On Swiss consumer PCs the damage is rarely data loss – it's power bills and premature hardware wear.
How to protect yourself
Use an antivirus with crypto-mining detection (all major suites have it by default in 2026). Add a browser extension like "No Coin" or "MinerBlock". Close browser tabs that you are not actively using – suspicious: CPU load above 30% on a simple webpage.