How to block Cryptocurrency mining on Firefox

Have you noticed that your computer is slower than usual? If that is the case, one of the first things that would come to your mind is that your device may be infected with a virus. While this is a plausible explanation for performance issues, there is another cause that not many people are aware of. We are talking about cryptocurrency mining, a threat that is spreading across the internet. Apart from security breaches, viruses and online attacks, it turns out that there is something else we need to be concerned about. Crypto currency mining or cryptojacking can affect your computer, making it slower. This is why it is necessary to take steps to defend your device against the threats that lurk in the internet.
What you need to know about cryptojacking
There are malicious hackers everywhere and they are trying to find an opportunity to intercept your connection and take over your data. But that is not the only thing that they could do without your permission or knowledge. Someone could hijack your system with the purpose of mining cryptocurrency without you being aware of it. This practice is known as cryptojacking. In the past, in order to be able to hijack your system, malicious software had to be installed so that hijacker could get access to the system. Things have changed and currently, thanks to in-browser cryptocurrency mining, all that is required is some lines of Javascript. This means that nowadays, it is easier to get access to your system and take advantage of it to mine Bitcoin, LiteCoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.
How does it work?
Unless you are taking the necessary steps to protect your computer, it is very easy for others to use in-browser cryptojacking to take over your system without your authorization. Using malicious Javascript codes, hacker can intercept your web browser. Javascript is the most popular digital language used online and it is used on pretty much any website. There is no need to install any software to be able to open any webpage in a browser. This is the reason why cryptojacking uses Javascript codes easily. It only takes a misguided click and your system will become an easy target for a cryptojacker. With the help of malicious code, hackers are able to exploit your computer, using it to mine for cryptocurrency such as Monero, Bitcoin and more. This code can be difficult to recognize, but one of the names that you need to look out for is CoinHive.
How to block cryptojacking in Firefox
There are two ways to protect your system from cryptojacking when you use Firefox, one of the most popular web browsers available.
NoScript Security Suite
To keep your computer protected, it is recommended that you install an add-on for your Firefox that is designed to block websites that conceal Javascript codes for mining cryptocurrencies. NoScript is a solution of this type and it will only enable you to run active content from a trusted website. The NoScript Security Suite will block all the malicious websites and it keeps your system protected from cryptocurrency miners. NoScript works on browsers like Tor, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox (including the Android version) and Safari.
Mining Blocker
This is another solution that is worth considering when it comes to blocking cryptomining. Mining Blocker is able to detect javascript codes on pages even before they are active on your web browser. With Mining Blocker, you will be able to stop cryptojackers from getting access to your system, draining your CPU’s power and your device’s battery. It is also possible to disable the add-on temporarily, if you actually feel like mining cryptocurrency on your own.
Is mining cryptocurrency illegal?
While this practice is banned in some countries, in general, cryptocurrency mining is not illegal. That being said, the fact that someone hijacks your system without your permission in order to mine cryptocurrency can be considered as unethical and even criminal. Still, in most cases, you won’t be able to take legal action against someone for cryptojacking. This is why it is very important that you take the necessary steps to protect your system.
Alternative solutions
You can also protect your system from cryptojackers by using the AdBlocker Plus protection filter that defends your system against mining scripts. Another option is to use the Tor browser to browse the internet anonymously.
Protect yourself with the help of a VPN
Since a VPN encrypts your entire traffic and allows you to keep your identity hidden, it can be a useful solution to protect yourself from cryptocurrency mining, particularly when you are using public WiFi hotspots. If someone tries to access your device and intercept your communications, they won’t be able to find out what you are doing online or trace you. With a VPN, you can hide your IP address, your location and secure all your activities. Hackers won’t be able to intercept your traffic and infect it with code since all your activities will be encrypted. There are several VPN services available, but we highly recommended ExpressVPN and NordVPN. These are secure, efficient and reliable VPNs that use advanced technology to protect your data. They are able of keeping you protected from different online threats so that you can browse the internet securely, access content and enjoy your favorite apps and services, without compromising the privacy and security of your data.