Intel, Microsoft Beef Up Customers’ Cryptojacking Defenses

Intel’s new technology aims to more accurately detect malware regardless of the malicious code’s obfuscation techniques.

AccessTimeIconApr 27, 2021 at 12:50 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:18 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global event for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Microsoft and Intel are working together to more quickly and effectively identify and remediate cryptojacking threats for users, Intel said Monday.

  • Cryptojacking is the illegal use of another person or entity’s computer to mine cryptocurrency, often deployed through malware or compromised websites.
  • Intel’s new technology aims to more accurately detect malware regardless of the malicious code’s obfuscation techniques.
  • “This is a true inflection point for the security industry,” Intel’s Michael Nordquist, senior director of Strategic Planning and Architecture, said in a statement. “The scale of this CPU-based threat detection rollout across customer systems is unmatched and helps close gaps in corporate defenses.”
  • Microsoft cited research findings that coin-mining malware attacks increased 53% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter.
  • Other research suggests cryptojacking has declined as crypto prices have surged in 2021.
  • Everything You Need to Know About the EasyA Consensus Hackathon
    14:01
    Everything You Need to Know About the EasyA Consensus Hackathon
  • Ether-Bitcoin Ratio Drops to Lowest Since April 2021
    00:59
    Ether-Bitcoin Ratio Drops to Lowest Since April 2021
  • Tornado Cash Developer Alexey Pertsev Appeals Guilty Verdict; CME's Plan for Spot Bitcoin Trading
    01:39
    Tornado Cash Developer Alexey Pertsev Appeals Guilty Verdict; CME's Plan for Spot Bitcoin Trading
  • Guild of Guardians Built to 'Win' the Web2 Mobile Space: Game Director
    14:32
    Guild of Guardians Built to 'Win' the Web2 Mobile Space: Game Director
  • Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.