What is Cryptojacking and Why Did It Surge by 269% in 2025?

Cryptojacking, a malicious and often overlooked cyber threat, involves the unauthorized use of someone else's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency. This essentially means a criminal hijacks your computer, smartphone, or even your server to generate digital currency for their own profit, slowing down your device and increasing your electricity bill. But why the sudden spike in activity?

A recent report from cybersecurity company SonicWall sheds light on this alarming trend, specifically noting a significant surge in cryptojacking attacks targeting the financial sector. The number of cryptojacking cases across the financial sector has risen by 269% in the first half of 2025, indicating a clear shift in focus for cybercriminals.

Cryptojacking Explained: Mining Without Permission

Imagine your computer working overtime, running at full capacity even when you're just browsing the web. That could be a sign of cryptojacking. Malicious code, often delivered through phishing emails, infected websites, or even compromised browser extensions, runs silently in the background, harnessing your CPU and GPU power to mine cryptocurrencies like Monero.

Why the 2025 Surge?

Several factors likely contributed to the dramatic increase in cryptojacking incidents in 2025. A key element, according to SonicWall's Cyber Threat Report, is the increased pressure on ransomware attackers. According to the SonicWall’s Cyber Threat Report, the crackdown on ransomware attacks is forcing cybercriminals to look for alternative, less risky, and potentially more consistent revenue streams.

Furthermore, the rising value of certain cryptocurrencies can make cryptojacking a lucrative endeavor. Even small amounts of stolen computing power, when aggregated across numerous infected devices, can generate substantial profits for criminals.

This research aims to define the state of cryptojacking in the current threat landscape. The data in this report has been taken from aggregated threat statistics obtained from a variety of sources that include our internal sources, open sources, etc. The main tool we use to obtain and analyze threat-related data is Ver más and points to the fact that no industry is entirely immune.

The Financial Sector: A Prime Target

Why the specific focus on financial institutions? These organizations often possess significant computing resources and handle sensitive data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. A successful cryptojacking attack can go unnoticed for extended periods, allowing criminals to accumulate substantial cryptocurrency profits at the expense of the institution's performance and resources.

A report by SonicWall highlights how the global cryptojacking volume surged by a whopping $66.7 million in the first half of 2025. This was considered to be a 30 percent increase globally, showcasing the widespread nature of this threat.

Protecting Yourself from Cryptojacking

While cryptojacking might seem less damaging than a ransomware attack, it can still significantly impact your device's performance and increase your energy consumption. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Keep your software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches.
• Be cautious of suspicious emails and links, especially those requesting personal information.
• Use a reputable antivirus program with real-time scanning capabilities.
• Install a browser extension designed to block cryptojacking scripts.
• Monitor your device's performance and CPU usage for unusual activity.

Staying vigilant and implementing these security measures can help you protect yourself from the growing threat of cryptojacking and keep your valuable computing resources safe.