Ah, Cryptocurrency. Though Bitcoin isn’t to blame for the skyhigh prices of graphics cards (you can blame Ethereum for that), there is another threat to gamers. And just like these two vulnerabilities affecting CPUs, this is also something that can happen without you even knowing about it.<\/p>\n
Think of something like a useful website, causing a strain on your system resources. You check System Monitor (that’s part of Task Manager) and see your CPU having a 60% use for no reason. You’re not playing any games, so what gives?
\nThis my friends is ‘Cryptojacking’, a somewhat legal practice that installs code on a website, and turns anyone that visits it into a Cryptocurrency Miner, without their consent.
\nHow it works is through ads. Yes, the most annoying thing to see on the Internet (next to Trump blaming the Democrats of something that he should be working with them.. but I digress). Some people allow ads (such as watching one of their favorite Youtubers to support them). These ads insert a cookie, which takes control of your computer’s resources.
\nThough, the creators of this software do tell the people that use it, to warn their community (yet unfortunately it’s not a requirement). And sadly I hear one of the websites I used to go on in the past (Wowhead), has been caught red-handed for using this software (and not telling their users).<\/p>\n
But unlike the CPU vulnerabilities, this thing does<\/u> have a fix. Though it’s a fix the user can choose if they want tocan<\/u>.
\nThere’s two ways to fix it on your end;
\n1. Install and have legitimate antivirus software(such as AVG), that can also block 3rd party scripts from getting into your computer. This also allows you to keep supporting your favorite content creators (by viewing their ads).
\n2. Install and have AdBlock Plus\/NoScript in your browser. Directly controls what ads are and aren’t allowed, and makes you immune to being a miner (by stopping harmful scripts in their tracks). However, this also is bad for content creators (as less ads viewed means less money for them).<\/p>\n
Whichever option you choose, should protect your system’s resources from being used by an outside 3rd party. Also, I highly recommend that you should still support your favorite content creators by donating on their Patreon page (especially if you use an Ad Blocker). Ah, Cryptocurrency. Though Bitcoin isn’t to blame for the skyhigh prices of graphics cards (you can blame Ethereum for that), there is another threat to gamers. And just like these two vulnerabilities affecting CPUs, this is also something that can … Continue reading
\nBut just to get this out of the way, Benies-Blogs.com will never<\/strong> use this ‘Cryptojacking’ software on its community. I’m against Cryptocurrency (for fucking up PC builders like me in getting a good deal on parts).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"