The unauthorized use of another person's computing device to mine cryptocurrency, typically carried out by secretly installing mining software on a victim's computer or by embedding mining scripts in a compromised website that runs in a visitor's browser without consent. The offense generates profit for the perpetrator while degrading the victim's device performance and increasing its electricity consumption, without the direct data theft or extortion that characterizes many other cyber offenses. It became widespread starting around 2017 as cryptocurrency values rose and mining scripts became easy to deploy at scale.
Facts
Classification CodeProsecuted in the United States as unauthorized computer access under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18 U.S.C. 1030. 2 Typical PenaltyUnder the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a first-time unauthorized access offense carries a fine, imprisonment of not more than five years, or both. 2 Elements of OffenseExploiting another person's computing device, often through a compromised website or hidden malware, to mine cryptocurrency without the device owner's knowledge or consent. 1 Notable ExampleIn April 2013 the electronic sports organization E-Sports Entertainment was accused of hijacking 14,000 computers to mine bitcoins and later settled the case with the State of New Jersey. 1 Classification
Offense GradeMinor or Summary Offense 1 Connections
Associated With
Source Wikipedia: Cybercrime
Has Offense Grade
Entity-backed identity for the offense-grade enum value this offense already carries, resolved to a crime concept by an explicit value-to-entity map (phase 3 bucket conversion, docs\design_entity_backed_browse_buckets_20260928.md). The offense-grade fact itself stays on the offense unchanged.
Sources
1. Cryptojacking (Wikipedia)
Wikipedialead paragraph, first sentence
Cryptojacking is the act of exploiting a computer to mine cryptocurrencies, often through websites, against the user's will or while the user is unaware.
Notable events section, E-Sports Entertainment case
In April 2013, electronic sports organization E-Sports Entertainment was accused of hijacking 14,000 computers to mine bitcoins; the company later settled the case with the State of New Jersey.
View the Source 2. 18 U.S. Code section 1030 (Cornell LII)
Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute18 U.S.C. 1030(c)(4)(A)Quote, 18 U.S.C. 1030(c)(4)(A)
a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both
Wikipedia: Cybercrime
Associated With: Cybercrime, Lead and law-enforcement sectionsQuote, Associated With: Cybercrime, Lead and law-enforcement sections
Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of criminal activities that are carried out using digital devices and/or networks.
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