With BitCoin surpassing even the heights reached in 2017 and the wide appreciation and acceptance of crypto, the question rises how safe it is. And, while blockchain is neigh-impossible to hack, you need to have a VPN to mine crypto and other cybersecurity measures.
The issue isn’t with the mining alone, but with your device and its general visibility on the internet. Most users will use the same device to buy and sell coins over something like Coingate and to browse Instagram, which is where the problems begin.
Overall, there are three main points of attack where hackers will look for miners and try either to hack them or to trick them:
- Primary internet connection (ISP)
- Mobile devices
- Social media bragging
And the last point is probably the most important. Distinguishing a miner over a cryptocurrency enthusiast from their browsing habits alone is difficult. Finding someone positing how much BitCoin they have on Facebook is very easy.
With premium software such as Le VPN, you can protect your system and stay invisible while online. Also, Le VPN is now accepting 50 different crypto options, so you can be using what you have mined to protect what you will mine in the future.
But, nothing can save you from yourself except yourself. Even the best VPN and the best anti-virus and anti-malware software won’t save you if you share your passwords online.
Is Mining Cryptocurrency Safe for Your System?
At least on the surface level, the mining process is quite simple. You are using your device’s processing power to solve equations and use that power as currency.
Inside this process, there are two distinct aspects when it comes to cybersecurity. Primarily, there is the security of your system, the mining process itself, and all of the technical issues with applying to the blockchain and placing your coins into your wallet.
Then there is you as the user. Unless you have a completely isolated system that you only use for mining and which is never in any contact with your private devices, this will also be an issue. But, if you are using crypto to make purchases, that would be impossible.
And, the biggest mistake most people make is following the same logic about security on your private devices to your cryptocurrency mining rigs. Cryptojacking has nothing to do with your identity or personal information; it is all about your cryptocurrency wallet.
Even if you are very cautious, you will need to cut off the line to your data with good VPN software and constant swipes for malware.
Blockchain Security
Thankfully, there aren’t any ways to directly hack the blockchain because any discrepancies will be removed. To do such a thing, you would need to hack every participant of the blockchain simultaneously, which requires enough processing that you would get the same money by mining.
Additionally, the blockchain and its members don’t care if you are using a VPN and what technology you are using to contact it. Technically, you can use a dial-up modem from a payphone to access it.
But, the issue always is with this point of connection. If your ISP is compromised and someone notices that you are visiting coin markets and exploring transaction hashes. Unless you have a VPN server between yourself and the internet at this point, you might be in danger.
User Security
The human component is a much bigger threat to any system than any tech you might have. Having the most secure doors in the world doesn’t mean much if you are keeping them open.
First of all, there are social media. Even though Twitter, Facebook, and Parler are good places to find cryptocurrency information, you need to make sure not to overshare. And what can be considered oversharing is slightly different than for other private information.
Never, under any circumstances, show your transaction history. The chain itself is anonymous, but if you give your name to it, a hacker will be able to know when you are online and from where. If you don’t have a VPN here to mask you, they will find your location.
Also, if you are taking pictures of your private rig, make sure there are no windows or other information associated with the image. What people online can do with Sun angles and pixelated star charts amazes even professional engineers.
Speak about crypto news, but don’t become crypto news.
How to Cover Weakpoints when Mining?
Thankfully, this is a simple task and doesn’t require anything more complex than what you have already done making the rig.
For social media and private information, we have explained to keep your head down and not overshare. Also, don’t use the same devices for social media apps and for accessing your mining rig.
When it comes to the rig itself, allow it a separate Ethernet connection with VPN protection. This is what a VPN connection is for, and it will shield you from any security failures on the other side.
Finally, there are the mobile devices. The best course of action here is that your rig doesn’t have a WiFi connection at all. That way, you can’t have local intruders, and you will never infect the mining system if your private system is ever compromised.
Conclusion
Although it is currently debatable how profitable would private mining systems be, there is no denying the fact that it is exciting. Crypto is the future, and even cybersecurity companies like Le VPN are accepting payment in over 50 different cryptocurrencies.
But, you need to stay calm and think about your security as well.
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Written by Vuk Mujović @VukMujovic
Vuk Mujović is the founder of MacTíre Consulting, an analyst, data management expert, and a long-term writer on all things business & tech. He authored blogs, articles, and opinion pieces aimed to help both companies and individuals achieve growth without compromising their security. Vuk is a regular guest author to Le VPN Blog since January 2018, where he gives his expert opinion on the topics related to cybersecurity, privacy, online freedom, and personal data protection. He also often shares his tips and best practices in relation to internet security and digital safety of private individuals and small businesses, including some additional applications of using a VPN service.