Cryptojacking 2.0: Stealthy Malware Mines Monero on 3,500 Websites Without Your Knowledge
- What Is Cryptojacking 2.0?
- How Does This Silent Attack Work?
- Why Monero?
- Who’s Affected?
- How to Protect Yourself
- The Bigger Picture
- FAQs About Cryptojacking 2.0
A new wave of cryptojacking attacks has infected over 3,500 websites, silently hijacking visitors' CPUs to mine Monero (XMR). Unlike the noisy, resource-heavy attacks of 2017-2018, this malware operates discreetly, avoiding detection while siphoning profits. Learn how it works, who’s at risk, and how to protect yourself—because your computer might be mining crypto right now without you even knowing.
What Is Cryptojacking 2.0?
Remember the cryptojacking craze of 2017? Hackers are back, but this time they’ve leveled up. Over 3,500 websites have been compromised by a nearly invisible script that mines Monero—a privacy-focused cryptocurrency—using visitors’ browsers. No stolen passwords, no ransomware demands, just your CPU quietly working for someone else’s profit. The malware hides in compromised sites, often old e-commerce platforms with outdated security, and executes via WebAssembly (WASM), a faster and harder-to-detect alternative to JavaScript.
Source: c/side
How Does This Silent Attack Work?
The process is chillingly efficient: Hackers exploit forgotten backdoors from past breaches, inject a lightweight script (like the suspiciousfile found on), and connect to a remote server to initiate mining. The genius? The script throttles CPU usage to avoid triggering alarms—no fan noise, no sluggish performance. It’s like a digital pickpocket who only steals pennies at a time but targets millions.
Why Monero?
Monero (XMR) isn’t just another crypto—it’s the go-to for anonymity. Unlike Bitcoin, its transactions are untraceable, making it ideal for illicit activities. According to CoinMarketCap, XMR’s price recently ROSE 0.85% to $157, likely fueled by demand from such underground operations.
Who’s Affected?
Your device could be mining XMR right now, wearing out hardware and inflating electricity bills.If your site’s infected, you’re unknowingly hosting illegal mining code—and risking legal trouble if sensitive data leaks. Even major platforms aren’t immune; Google recently purged 49 Chrome extensions caught cryptojacking.
How to Protect Yourself
Install anti-cryptojacking extensions like NoCoin or MinerBlock. Close tabs if your device overheats unexpectedly.Update CMS platforms and plugins religiously. Audit third-party scripts—especially those loading from shady domains. Tools like Sucuri or Malwarebytes can scan for infections.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about stolen CPU cycles. Cryptojacking 2.0 reflects a broader trend of "low-and-slow" cybercrime, where attackers prioritize stealth over spectacle. As BTCC analyst noted, "The next frontier could be IoT devices—imagine your router mining crypto 24/7."
FAQs About Cryptojacking 2.0
How can I tell if my computer is mining Monero secretly?
Check for unusual CPU spikes in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac). Unexplained fan activity on idle devices is another red flag.
Why don’t browsers block this automatically?
Modern browsers do block known mining scripts, but WASM-based attacks bypass traditional filters. Extensions add an extra LAYER of protection.
Is Monero mining profitable for hackers?
At scale, yes. One infected site might earn pennies per day, but 3,500 sites? That’s a lucrative passive income—with minimal risk compared to ransomware.
