* [Blog](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog) * [Palo Alto Networks](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/corporate/) * [Threat Intelligence](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/) * 2 Minute Threat Brief: Br... # 2 Minute Threat Brief: Browser Cryptocurrency Mining [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2017%2F10%2F2-minute-threat-brief-browser-cryptocurrency-mining%2F) [](https://twitter.com/share?text=2+Minute+Threat+Brief%3A+Browser+Cryptocurrency+Mining&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2017%2F10%2F2-minute-threat-brief-browser-cryptocurrency-mining%2F) [](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2017%2F10%2F2-minute-threat-brief-browser-cryptocurrency-mining%2F&title=2+Minute+Threat+Brief%3A+Browser+Cryptocurrency+Mining&summary=&source=) [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2017/10/2-minute-threat-brief-browser-cryptocurrency-mining/&ts=markdown) \[\](mailto:?subject=2 Minute Threat Brief: Browser Cryptocurrency Mining) Link copied By [Eila Shargh](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/author/eila-shargh/?ts=markdown "Posts by Eila Shargh") Oct 20, 2017 2 minutes [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown) [Cryptocurrency](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/cryptocurrency/?ts=markdown) Cybercriminals have embraced the anonymous nature of cryptocurrency as a new preferred method of profit. [Unit 42 released details](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2017/10/unit42-unauthorized-coin-mining-browser/) about attackers hijacking web browsers to mine for compute resources and exchange for cryptocurrency. With the increasing value of cryptocurrency, such as [bitcoin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin) and [Ethereum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethereum), and a better business model with higher returns than [malware](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-malware)- and [exploit](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-an-exploit-kit)-type attacks, it's no surprise these types of attacks are becoming more commonplace. ### **How It Works** Cybercriminals will compromise a website and abuse a legitimate tool on that site to gain access to the compute resources of site visitors' systems. Using this access, attackers will essentially steal compute resources and exchange them for cryptocurrency credit. This all occurs without the users' consent or knowledge throughout the duration of their site visits. The malicious activity itself doesn't cause long-term damage to systems, and ends as soon as users leave the malicious or compromised site. Additionally, the site will still provide users with its normal, intended functionality. However, users likely experience a noticeable slowdown in system performance. ### **How to Defend Against It** If you believe your system is being affected by this type of attack, leaving the site or closing your browser will, in most cases, end the attack. Additionally, you should practice good cybersecurity hygiene. This means avoiding unfamiliar websites, clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown email senders, keeping products updated with the latest security patches, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using reputable security products. *** ** * ** *** ## Related Blogs ### [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown) [#### 'BabyShark' Targets Cryptocurrency Industry](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2019/04/babyshark-targets-cryptocurrency-industry/) ### [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown), [Unit 42](https://unit42-dev2.paloaltonetworks.com) [#### Threat Brief: What's Driving the Shift to Cryptocurrency Mining Malware?](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2018/03/threat-brief-whats-driving-shift-cryptocurrency-mining-malware/) ### [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown), [Unit 42](https://unit42-dev2.paloaltonetworks.com) [#### Threat Brief: A Declining Rig Exploit Kit Hops on the Coinmining Bandwagon](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2018/02/threat-brief-declining-rig-exploit-kit-hops-coinmining-bandwagon/) ### [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown) [#### Threat Brief: Malware Authors Mine Monero Across the Globe in a Big Way](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2018/01/threat-brief-malware-authors-mine-monero-across-globe-big-way/) ### [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown) [#### Threat Brief: Drive-by Mining - Adapting an Old Attack to Mine Cryptocurrencies](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2017/10/threat-brief-drive-mining-adapting-old-attack-mine-cryptocurrencies/) ### [CIO/CISO](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ciociso/?ts=markdown), [Network Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/network-security/?ts=markdown), [Reports](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/reports/?ts=markdown), [Secure the Enterprise](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/secure-the-enterprise/?ts=markdown), [Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-intelligence/?ts=markdown), [Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-prevention-2/?ts=markdown) [#### How AI and Evasion Demand a Radical Shift in Network Threat Prevention](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2026/06/ai-and-evasion-demand-radical-shift-in-threat-prevention/) ### Subscribe to the Blog! 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