What is browser-based (web) cryptocurrency mining

Browser-based (web) cryptocurrency mining

In 2017, the first online services for mining digital coins appeared on the Internet. They use an ordinary browser as a mining program, and calculations are performed using users’ processors. Later, the technique was adopted by attackers. In 2021, hidden browser-based cryptocurrency mining swept the world. Cryptojacking is the illegal mining of digital coins with the resources of users, which the latter are not even aware of.

What is browser mining

Website owners can use the computing power of visitors to mine cryptocoins. In return, users receive rewards or privileges.

The most popular coins for browser mining in 2023 are Monero and Litecoin. These assets are less demanding on PC processing power.

Visitors of Browsermine, Webmining, Getcryptotab and other platforms participate in coin mining voluntarily. Earnings from this activity are small – 50-200 rubles per month, if the computer is turned on around the clock. Profits can be increased by “working” simultaneously on several platforms.

The owners of such sites usually use a small part of the power of clients to avoid hanging pages. Some of them offer visitors ad-free content in return for participating in web mining. If the customer agrees, they give permission to use their PC to mine cryptocurrencies. This is seen as a thank you for the useful content posted on the platform.

Hidden mining in the browser

A website can connect a user to cryptocurrency mining without their knowledge. Fraudsters use the computing power of third-party PCs, and keep the reward for the work done.

5020 $
bonus for new users!

9.8

ByBit provides convenient and safe conditions for cryptocurrency trading, offers low commissions, high level of liquidity and modern tools for market analysis. It supports spot and leveraged trading, and helps beginners and professional traders with an intuitive interface and tutorials.

Earn a 100 $ bonus

for new users!

9.5

The largest crypto exchange where you can quickly and safely start your journey in the world of cryptocurrencies. The platform offers hundreds of popular assets, low commissions and advanced tools for trading and investing. Easy registration, high speed of transactions and reliable protection of funds make Binance a great choice for traders of any level!

Attackers embed JavaScript code into a website page or plugin that users install for easy access to features. Malware is also installed in pop-up banners or sent via email. Hidden online mining in the browser starts automatically when the site is opened.

Sometimes hackers embed malicious code on the resource page without the administration’s knowledge. This phenomenon is known as cryptojacking. According to Check Point Software Technologies, 37% of the world’s websites suffer such attacks every year.

How to protect yourself

Attackers use CPU power, as not all PCs have video cards. A user may notice that a certain website is heavily loading the computer. To check a hunch, you need to go to the browser’s Task Manager by pressing Shift+ESC.

If the resource is “infected”, the system will show this. For example, one of the tabs consumes 100 MB of memory and 100% of CPU time. At the same time, loading other pages takes 20 MB of memory and 20% of the PC’s CPU resource.

What is browser-based (web) cryptocurrency mining
In normal mode, loading pages takes no more than 20% of CPU time

You may also notice overheating of the computer (noise from the coolers increases) when visiting certain sites. The cause of this “hang” may be the work of a hidden miner embedded in the code of the page. The table contains ways to fix the problem.

SolutionHow to perform
Edit the hosts file – manually add known domain addresses to the blocking list.
  1. Go to the C:/Windows/System32/drivers/etc folder.
  2. Open the hosts file in a text editor.
  3. Add the line “0.0.0.0.0 domain address” to the end of the document.
  4. Save the changes.
Use browser mining blocker utilities (for example, Anti-WebMiner).
  1. Download the program from the developers’ resource.
  2. Open the installation file and click the Instal button in the main menu.
Disable JavaScript in the browser. This method is not suitable for all sites. Some platforms need JavaScript to work properly.
  1. Go to the browser settings.
  2. Select JavaScript in the sites settings.
  3. Set the slider to “Off”.
Install the AdBlock or UBlock ad blocker.
  1. Find a browser extension in the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Click “Install”.

The latest versions of the Chrome browser have built-in protection against hidden mining. The user does not need to perform any actions. When visiting pages that consume a suspiciously high amount of resources, the system will automatically put the PC into power saving mode.

However, if the user is working on a powerful device with a multi-core processor, and the scammers have set the CPU load limitation to 30-50%, it may be difficult to determine the unauthorized waste of resources. To prevent “infection”, it is worth installing a good antivirus and running regular system scans.

Users all over the world face illegal consumption of PC resources for cryptocurrency mining. To avoid becoming a victim of hidden mining, you should install an antivirus and regularly update its libraries. You should not open files from unknown sources. Also, do not visit dubious sites – especially those that require you to disable the ad blocker.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How much can I earn from web mining?

If the PC is turned on 24 hours a day, the income will be up to 200 rubles per month.

💳 Is it necessary to connect a bitcoin wallet to withdraw profits from cryptocurrency mining in the browser?

Resources pay profits in rubles to the electronic payment systems YuMoney and QIWI.

🥽 How to protect yourself from hidden mining?

You can install an ad blocker (AdBlock, UBlock) or a special program (for example, Anti-WebMiner). New versions of the Chrome browser come with built-in protection against unauthorized use of resources.

💡 What sites can I earn income from web mining coins?

Such services are offered by Browsermine, Webmining, Getcryptotab and other resources.

💻 How to determine that scammers use PCs for cryptocurrency mining?

You should be wary if your computer hangs when performing simple tasks. At the same time, the CPU load can reach 100%.

An error in the text? Highlight it with your mouse and press Ctrl + Enter

Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.

Parašykite komentarą

El. pašto adresas nebus skelbiamas. Būtini laukeliai pažymėti *

lt_LTLithuanian

Spelling error report

The following text will be sent to our editors: