Whether we like it or not – no, scratch that. Whether we understand it or not, crypto has become, among many other things, a “new normal” in today’s world.

Ten years ago, online banking was revolutionary, but who would have thought that doing world-class, million-dollar business transactions in cryptocurrency would become something that people do?

Nevertheless, it is what it is. You can use crypto in literally everything, from the famous first crypto pizza purchase to playing online blackjack for real money to doing international business. But let’s focus on gaming here, and the other side of the coin. Pun intended.

As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, so do the threats that players face. One such threat is crypto mining malware, which can exploit your computer’s resources to mine cryptocurrencies without your knowledge or consent. In this article, we will explore the risks associated with crypto miners in online games and provide you with essential tips on how to protect your computer and personal data.

Understanding Crypto Mining Malware

Crypto mining malware, also known as crypto-jacking, is a type of malicious software that hijacks a computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies. In the context of online gaming, hackers may disguise crypto mining scripts within game files or mods, tricking unsuspecting players into unknowingly running the malware on their machines.

Steam teams and players themselves work hard on uncovering these fake games but sometimes, things can slip. That’s why it’s important to learn about crypto mining in order to protect yourself.

Recognizing the Signs of Crypto Mining

Detecting crypto-mining malware can be challenging, as it often operates silently in the background. Even if you’re not a rookie, things can be very well hidden.

Still, some signs may indicate the presence of this malware, such as decreased computer performance, unusually high CPU or GPU usage, and excessive fan noise. If you notice these symptoms while playing online games, it’s essential to take action to protect your computer.

Keeping Software Updated

One of the things you can do to prevent accidentally having a crypto-mining PC is prevention. Regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, and game clients is crucial for maintaining a secure gaming environment.

Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by malware. Enabling automatic updates ensures that you receive the latest protections against emerging threats, including crypto miners. Better safe than sorry!

Downloading Games from Trusted Sources

This is especially important if you’re a younger person or a parent to a kid who likes gaming. To minimize the risk of encountering crypto mining malware, only download games and game mods from reputable sources. Teach your kids the same as well, and make sure to supervise their game downloads.

Stick to official game distribution platforms, such as Steam or Epic Games Store, and be cautious of downloading files from unverified websites or peer-to-peer networks. Check user reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability of the source.

Utilizing Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Deploying robust antivirus and anti-malware software is essential for safeguarding your computer against crypto mining threats. Choose reputable security solutions that offer real-time scanning and behavior-based detection.

Regularly update your security software’s virus definitions to ensure it can detect the latest strains of crypto-mining malware. And for the love of PC gods, don’t click ‘’LATER’’ on your update reminder.

Employing Browser Extensions

Crypto-mining malware can also be distributed through malicious browser extensions. Consider installing reputable browser extensions that block crypto mining scripts, such as NoScript or MinerBlock.

These extensions prevent websites from running unauthorized mining operations in your browser, providing an additional layer of protection.

Monitoring System Performance

Another way to protect your PC from malware is to keep an eye on your computer’s performance while gaming. Use task managers or system monitoring tools to check CPU and GPU usage levels. If you notice unusually high resource consumption during gameplay, investigate the cause further. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address potential crypto-mining activities promptly.

Practicing Safe Online Gaming Habits

Adopting safe online gaming practices can significantly reduce the risk of encountering crypto-mining malware. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources within the game chat or forums are essential to employ secure gaming and personal data protection.

And most importantly, always be wary of unofficial game servers or mods that are not endorsed by the game developers.

In conclusion, protecting your computer from crypto miners in online games is essential to ensure the integrity of your system and safeguard your data. By understanding the risks associated with crypto mining malware, recognizing the signs of its presence, and implementing security measures like keeping software updated, utilizing antivirus software, and practicing safe online gaming habits, you can minimize the threat and enjoy your gaming experience with peace of mind.

Remember, staying vigilant and maintaining a secure gaming environment is crucial in today’s digital landscape where threats continue to evolve. By following these guidelines, you can protect your computer and continue to enjoy the exciting world of online gaming.