Cryptocurrency

YouTube Ads are being used for mining cryptocurrency from your CPU’s power

As the cryptocurrencies have gone mainstream, many crypto mining sites are thinking of new tools to mine digital currency. Cryptojacking is a new malware issue that has gradually become a widespread problem. Crypto miners insert a code of JavaScript into websites and advertisements that use CPU’s power to mine cryptocurrency for them. Hackers who previously abused Google’s ad network, have now inserted the script into YouTube ads.

As firstly reported by Ars Technica, users of YouTube, the popular video networking site owned by Google, complained about the script from a service called CoinHive. Users claimed that YouTube ads were triggering their anti-virus software, as the cryptojacking site inserted a special script that uses CPU’s power of people watching those ads on Youtube.

According to the security firm Trend Micro, the YouTube ads with crypto miner mostly arrived on Wednesday and affected the users of YouTube based in Japan, France, Taiwan, Italy and Spain.

Looks like the major motive of hackers for targeting YouTube is its popularity across the world. The more browsers the mining software can leverage, the more cryptocurrency it can generate. Unfortunately, the cryptojacking that attacks the browser is going to stay, while many tech giants like Google are updating their platforms to block these third-party injections.

Most of the users have reported a common thing in these hacks and that is CoinHive a crypto mining service. Since Sept, CoinHive has been offering a Javascript Monero miner that anyone can register to use and slip into a website. In return, CoinHive takes a 30 percent cut.

Sponsored
Sajeel Syed

I am a writer at TechJuice, overseeing IT, Telecom, Cryptocurrency, and other tech-related features here. When I'm not working, I spend some of my time with good old Xbox 360 and the rest in social activism. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sajeelshamsi

Share
Published by
Sajeel Syed

Recent Posts

First AI-Powered Teacher Launched in Pakistan’s Private School

Karachi: A private school in Karachi has unveiled Pakistan’s first AI-powered teacher, a groundbreaking move…

50 mins ago

Yahoo Surprises Users with Its Latest Android Launcher

Third-party apps have long been a staple of the Android ecosystem, but their appeal has…

2 hours ago

Phase-II Review of PTCL-Telenor Deal Finalized by CCP

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has completed its Phase-II review of Pakistan Telecommunication…

2 hours ago

Xiaomi’s SU7 Achieves New Production Record, Driving Q3 Growth

Xiaomi has shattered records by producing 100,000 vehicles in just 230 days. This is nearly…

4 hours ago

Teachers Can Now Access OpenAI’s Free AI Course

OpenAI, in collaboration with nonprofit organization Common Sense Media, announced on Wednesday the launch of…

5 hours ago

WhatsApp-Inspired Updates Under Testing in Google Messages

Google is exploring a revamped image-sharing interface in its Messages app, taking cues from WhatsApp…

5 hours ago