You know or you might have heard it said that today’s children are the future leaders. We all hope for a brighter future where the leaders will be proficient in employing technology for better service delivery. Almost all K–12 schools are waking up to the reality of teaching learners how to use current and emerging technologies. The target is to empower these learners in such a way that they will be experts in exploiting future technologies.
These are good aspirations for the current generation. However, the problem of cryptomining has popped up and is frustrating this great dream. The other commonly used terms are cryptojacking and cryptomining malware.
It is almost impossible to speak about this term without first of all understanding what cryptocurrency is. So what is a cryptocurrency? It is an emerging form of digital currency fully relying on computer resources for functionality. The unique attribute about cryptocurrency is that there are no middlemen involved. Another thing is that most of the transactions here get recorded on the blockchain which happens to be a digital public ledger. Cryptography is a special term in this particular regard as well. It describes the encryption of the transaction data that takes place on the platform and the ledgers too.
Cryptomining is a related term. It describes the deceitful websites and ransomware tactics used by criminals to get computers to mine cryptocurrency. The problem is that these activities happen without the knowledge or the approval of computer users.
But how do these hackers achieve their goals? In most of the cases, they will bait the user with a particular malicious link. Upon clicking the link to an email, they get to embed a cryptomining code on the computer system. There is immense danger associated with this act because the code usually operates in the background without your knowledge. The only changes you get to notice are slowed performance and the lagging effect when it comes to execution. They could also choose to infect the website. Whichever way they choose, the aim is to engage in cryptojacking activities.
The good news is that the K–12 schools can now guard against these cryptomining activities. However, it is first of all important to acknowledge that the cryptojacking menace is becoming a major threat. This is in the K–12 schools, organizations and businesses around the globe.
It is also important to note that these activities are pegged on the need to make easy money. It was in the previous year that we witnessed a significant rise in the value of cryptocurrency. Shortly after, we noticed a major increase in the number of malware authors. These hackers’ target was to eliminate the middleman from the chain and generate real money.
Technological advancements targeted at combating these cryptomining activities are proving effective. Leading companies, Nuedcsec being one of them, are determined to help computer users including the K–12 schools.
Nuedcsec has been providing online safety from home to school to the classrooms to guard learners against cryptomining threats. Most of the schools are going for this company’s services. This is because of its dedication to the delivery of remarkable and exciting internet experiences.
The service provider is good at analysis and reports suspicious activities right away. In cases of cyberbullying, the company narrows down to the chats exchanged and after an analysis reports to you. This is not at the expense of either protection or privacy.
By using its flags, the service provider successfully monitors, guides and enforces the best practices of internet usage. As a parent, you get to see the real-time activity of whatever your kids engage do on the internet. More visibility options are currently underway and will be unveiled soon. These will include the location finder to facilitate the tracking of chrome books and a cloud-based portal. The purpose of the portal will be to help you carry out managerial roles and also make configurations. This is in line with your staff, learners, devices, and networks as well.
Everything you already know about Nuedcsec’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) still applies
Cryptomining is nothing out of this world! It is malware just like any other and thus tools used for the other forms of malware still apply to it. However, you need to understand the real nature of cryptojacking to handle it the best way. The uniqueness lies in the point that the in-browser cryptomining poses new challenges. This implies that quite a large number of the anti-malware tools you are accustomed to won’t deliver 100% results.
This is why it is important for all the K–12 IT managers to consider reviewing most of their anti-malware tool lists. Making such a move is a good thing because they get to choose the most appropriate software authors. Nuedusec’s services offer elaborate coverage for both the in-browser mining tools and traditional malware.
No one is getting spared with the emerging risks including the Linux and the Mac OS X users. The cultural bias being witnessed currently in line with the installation of anti-malware tools is taking root. This and other factors could end up becoming major security threats.
It is high time the K–12 IT managers think about their Mac and Linux users and lookout for ways to offer them protection. They could also undertake some education campaigns targeted at enlightening learners about the dangers of malware.
Network-based protection helps, but not as effectively as Nuedcsec’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
A lot of the computer users are migrating from the network-based Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPSes) to the current advanced strategies. They had been using the means in the identification of the outbound connects linked to cryptomining domains.
The role of the network-level protections when it comes to disruption of the cryptominers operating chain is monumental. It effectively hinders the conversion of electricity to cash putting you on the safe side.
The traditional approach is quite cumbersome. This is because it requires the incorporation of almost 2000+ browser-based cryptomining C&C domains. Experts advise the various K–12 IT managers to revisit their IPS protections to find out if everything is working properly. It is important to ensure that the detection of in-browser mining C&C is functioning appropriately.
Success in the blockage of access to C&C domains shouldn’t be seen by anyone as the comprehensive solution to the malware problem. Reports show that more and more systems are still getting infected and many users haven’t yet stopped their bad practices. Users need to engage in a cleanup exercise immediately they receive notifications.
Carrying out deliberate or intentional mining has its good. For instance, you can create awareness among the learners. They get to understand that cryptomining in a much better way and the veracity of the danger it poses.
Nuedcsec’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) doesn’t stop here. More innovations continue to be made to deliver better services in terms of offering advanced protection.
DNS-based protection would work well in conjunction with Nuedcsec’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
These protections include the Quad9 and OpenDNS.One thing about them is that they are quite forthright at declaring their capabilities. This is especially when it comes to blocking activities in line with the various malicious domains. These solutions stage some good fight used together with the various network-based IPS.
However, it is important to also consider that in practice things are slightly different. Experts point out that there is nothing in the form of the third party testing and efficacy to prove effectiveness in cryptomining. Several organizations have launched complaints about DNS filtering. This term “DNS-based filtering” refers to a technique employed in blocking access to IP addresses, webpages and websites as well.
They think that it fragments the internet and also results in collateral damage. You and I probably know that DNS filtering can prove quite complex for the K–12 sort of environment.
It is the responsibility of the K–12 IT managers to ensure that things run smoothly in these schools. For instance, choosing to implement the DNS-based filtering means they are open to enabling some particular cryptomining segments in their institutions.
The impact and the harm of malware need to be curbed and the K–12 Schools should be at the frontline! The best way is to choose the best service providers and on top of the list is Nuedcsec’s Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
