Web browser Opera adds Anti-Crypto mining protection for mobile


Web browser Opera adds Anti-Crypto mining protection for mobile following the initial release of its cryptojacking-fighting feature for a desktop version. Is your device safe from cryptojacking?

23 January, AtoZForex One of the most popular web browsers in the world, Opera, has informed the public that it has decided to add its anti-cryptocurrency mining feature to their mobile browser. Earlier in December 2017, the company announced it has included anti-crypto mining protection in their integrated ad - blocker for the desktop.

Web browser Opera adds Anti-Crypto mining protection for mobile

Yesterday, Opera has decided to include the same feature to the mobile version of its browser, as well. According to the Vice President of Product Marketing at Opera, Jan Standal, the key purpose behind this function is to fight cryptojacking.

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Cryptojacking is a process, where a computer or smartphone is hacked in an attempt to remotely mine cryptocurrency without the knowledge of device’s owner. This process is using a large amount of battery, thus, it can potentially slow down the device.

According to Jan Standal:

“When you browse the web, there are no visual clues that your device is exposed to mining A single webpage you visit can take up to 4.5 hours of your battery time, if you keep the tab open. This often turns out to be just the battery time you needed to use a ride-hailing app or check the map to get home.”

The press release by Opera has also mentioned a source, where you can check if your device has been used for cryptojacking.

Websites using visitors' devices to mine crypto

A security researcher Willem de Groot uncovered that there are 2,496 e-commerce websites using cryptojacking techniques to leverage CPU power for mining purposes. In cryptojacking, an attacker inserts malicious JavaScript code into a website. When a user visits the website, the code works to mine cryptocurrencies in the background without notifying users that their CPU is being used for the practices.

Back in September 2017, the Pirate Bay has admitted that it was using the CPU processing power of its users to mine cryptocurrencies without their knowledge. During the same month, Showtime has also been caught cryptojacking its users’ devices to mine.

How to protect yourself from Cryptojacking?

To protect computing power, users should use an adblocker or install an adequate Chrome plugin to block the mining. Also, for users who do find themselves the victim of cryptojacking, shutting down the attack is easy. You just need to close the tab or browser and the process will instantly stop.

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