How Does Anti-Mining VPN Help You Stay Protected

A 43% year-over-year increase in crypto-jacking attempts was observed in 2022.

You might have seen many VPNs claiming to be anti-mining. First, understand what an anti-mining VPN does for your safety.

VPN alone can not prevent all mining risks, but it can help you provide basic security, thus avoiding various risks.

The guide is all about anti-mining VPNs and how they work.

What is an Anti-Mining VPN?

Anti-mining VPN is a solution to protect you from unauthorized cryptocurrency mining on your devices. 

This used to be a more significant issue, but it’s less common now because the value of crypto has decreased. However, there still needs to be more clarity about how effective these VPNs are, considering how both mining and VPNs work.

Anti-mining VPNs are supposed to help stop others from using your computer for mining without your permission. But it’s still a question mark if they work well. 

The critical thing to know is that mining has become way more demanding over time and needs serious computing power to crack those complex equations and get crypto.

What is Cryptojacking?

The hike in GPU prices caused a rise in criminal activities, with gangs going to great lengths to obtain more GPUs. They stole them from factories, broke into warehouses, and even carried out armed robberies.

Clever criminals didn’t just stop at stealing GPUs; they also discovered a way to infiltrate people’s computers. This practice, known as cryptojacking, has become a widespread issue affecting millions of people globally.

The threat actors trick a person by sending an email with a link. When the person clicks the link, malware gets secretly installed on their device. 

Without the person knowing, the malware starts running in the background, using the device’s power to help the criminals mine crypto. 

While it might not seem like a huge problem, it can cause serious issues. The malware eats up a lot of your computer’s power and internet speed, making your computer slow. 

Plus, it wears out your processor and GPU, reducing your device’s lifespan.

What are the Features of an Anti-mining VPN?

Anti-mining VPNs can be your essential tools for combating cryptojacking by implementing specific features and mechanisms designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized cryptocurrency mining on your devices. 

A dedicated anti-mining VPN must have the features mentioned below:

Detection Mechanisms

Anti-mining VPNs should have advanced algorithms to identify patterns associated with cryptojacking activities. 

These detection mechanisms analyze the behavior of processes running on a device, flagging any suspicious or resource-intensive activities that may indicate unauthorized mining.

Real-Time Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of network and device activity in real time must be the critical feature of Anti-Mining VPNs. 

By actively scrutinizing data traffic and system resource usage, these VPNs can quickly identify and respond to any abnormal behavior which might indicate cryptojacking attempts.

Blocking Malicious Scripts

Cryptojacking often involves the injection of malicious scripts into websites or delivering such scripts through phishing emails. 

Anti-mining VPNs should block these scripts at the network level, preventing them from executing on the user’s device.

Database of Known Threats

Anti-mining VPN solutions should maintain extensive databases of known cryptojacking threats and mining-related malware. 

This threat intelligence allows the VPN to cross-reference ongoing activities with a constantly updated repository of known signatures, enabling quick identification and prevention of known threats.

Anomaly Detection

Beyond predefined signatures, Anti-Mining VPNs must utilize anomaly detection techniques to identify deviations from normal user behavior. 

Sudden spikes in CPU or GPU usage, unexpected network connections, or unusual access patterns trigger alerts, which would prompt the VPN to investigate and respond to potential cryptojacking incidents.

Performance Optimization

Anti-mining VPNs should optimize device performance by managing resource allocation more efficiently. 

By identifying resource-intensive mining processes, these VPNs help prevent the negative impact of cryptojacking on device responsiveness and overall performance.

User Education and Alerts

These VPNs should have user-friendly interfaces that educate users about the risks of cryptojacking and provide alerts when suspicious activities are detected. 

Privacy and Anonymity Features

By masking your IP addresses and encrypting your online activities, Anti-Mining VPNs must add a layer of protection, making it more challenging for cyber criminals to identify and target potential victims.

Do Anti-Mining VPNs Work?

VPN routes your internet connection through a server in a different location, making it seem like you’re there instead of at your home or office. Also, it encrypts your connection so that no one can trace your online activity back to you.

VPNs are helpful, but they could be better at dealing with malware. Most malware gets on your computer after downloading, often through phishing attempts. 

Once it’s on your hard drive, it sends and receives info to its creators. VPNs can’t do much about this because the malware works fine, even if your connection is encrypted.

So what must you do? It is always better to opt for a VPN that provides security as a competitive edge.

What Can You Do To Prevent Cryptojacking Attacks?

Detecting cryptojacking on your device can be tricky because it’s made to stay hidden. But there are some signs to look out for:

1. Slow Device

If your device suddenly takes longer to respond, that could be a sign of crypto-malware.

2. High CPU Usage

That might be a clue if a regular program uses up all your computer power.

3. Overheating or Constant Fan Noise

If your device gets too hot or the fan always makes noise, it could be a sign of cryptojacking.

To help prevent or catch cryptojacking:

Avoid Phishing

Learn to recognize phishing, a common way hackers infect devices for cryptojacking.

Block JavaScript

Blocking JavaScript in your browser can stop sneaky cryptojacking attempts, but it might affect some websites.

Use ad-blocking or Anti-Crypto Mining Tools

Tools like the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, ESET online scanner, and Emsisoft emergency kit make it harder for cryptojackers to infect your device.

Use PureVPN

PureVPN scans files you download, making it challenging for cybercriminals to insert malware onto your device. It also blocks you from visiting harmful websites, lowering the risk of falling for phishing.

Also, the ad block feature makes you less prone to clicking suspicious links.

Be Safe Online

Don’t click on strange links, avoid downloading suspicious files, and be careful about visiting websites you don’t trust. There are many ways cryptojacking malware could get in.

Make the Right Choice: Strive to Stay Secure!

Malware intrusions, identity thefts, wallet leaks, and cryptojacking are common in crypto transactions. VPNs are the best way to protect your privacy, prevent unauthorized access to your wallets, and stay anonymous.

When it comes to anti-mining VPNs, you must not go for market claims but search for the features a VPN offers. You can also discuss your use case with the representative for the best services.

You can reach out to PureVPN support representatives who are available 24/7 for any queries.