1. Deploy Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Solutions
- Install next-gen antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection & response (EDR) software.
- Use real-time behavioral analysis to detect unauthorized cryptomining processes.
- Enable automatic threat isolation to stop compromised endpoints.
- Regularly update security definitions to identify new cryptojacking malware variants.
2. Implement Strict Access Controls & Privilege Management
- Follow the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) to limit admin access.
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict sensitive systems.
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts.
- Conduct regular access audits to remove unused or unauthorized privileges.
3. Monitor Network Traffic for Anomalies
- Deploy intrusion detection & prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to flag suspicious activity.
- Use network behavior analytics (NBA) to detect unusual spikes in CPU/GPU usage.
- Block outbound connections to known cryptomining pools.
- Enable deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify hidden mining scripts.
4. Harden Web Browsers & Disable JavaScript-Based Miners
- Use browser extensions like NoCoin and MinerBlock to block web-based cryptojacking.
- Disable JavaScript execution for untrusted websites.
- Block pop-ups and unauthorized script execution in browser settings.
- Train employees to avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading browser extensions.
5. Enforce Application Whitelisting & Software Restrictions
- Use application control policies to prevent unauthorized software execution.
- Block installation of cryptomining applications on corporate devices.
- Require admin approval for running executable scripts (e.g., PowerShell, batch files).
- Regularly audit installed software for unauthorized mining tools.
6. Patch Vulnerabilities & Secure System Configurations
- Regularly update operating systems, browsers, and third-party applications.
- Patch known vulnerabilities in cloud services and web servers.
- Disable unnecessary services and ports that could be exploited for cryptojacking.
- Enforce secure cloud configurations using tools like AWS Config or Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
7. Secure Cloud Infrastructure & Virtual Machines (VMs)
- Monitor cloud usage and CPU consumption for unauthorized mining.
- Use identity and access management (IAM) policies to limit access to cloud resources.
- Enable cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools to detect misconfigurations.
- Implement spending alerts to track unusual cloud resource usage.
8. Educate Employees on Cryptojacking Threats
- Train employees to recognize cryptojacking attempts in emails, websites, and attachments.
- Conduct regular security awareness sessions on unauthorized resource usage.
- Establish a clear reporting mechanism for suspected cryptojacking incidents.
- Encourage employees to lock devices when away from their desks.
9. Use DNS Filtering & Block Malicious Domains
- Deploy DNS filtering solutions to prevent access to known cryptojacking sites.
- Block domains associated with cryptomining pools and malware command-and-control (C2) servers.
- Use threat intelligence feeds to update domain blocklists regularly.
- Monitor DNS queries for unauthorized mining activity.
10. Implement Log & Event Monitoring for Quick Detection
- Use Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) solutions to detect cryptojacking patterns.
- Enable log collection for process activity, system resource usage, and network connections.
- Configure alerts for abnormal CPU, GPU, or server load spikes.
- Review logs for unauthorized script execution or scheduled mining tasks.