How Cryptojacking Affects VPS Performance: Key Server Security Risks

Have you ever noticed that your VPS seems to be working too hard even when there’s hardly anything running? I’ve looked at the dashboard of a server enough times to say, “Dude, who told you to run a marathon?” That’s usually when I suspect cryptojacking. And to be honest, it’s one of the stealthiest threats there is.

What Does Cryptojacking Actually Look Like?​

Cryptojacking is basically someone stealing your server resources to mine crypto. No warning, no alarm. Simply your server burning up your resources.

Why do hackers like it?

• It’s invisible
• It earns them passive income
• It turns your VPS into their mining operation

Why are VPS and Servers Easy Targets?​

Servers operate 24/7, so attackers see them as free energy and resources. I remember checking a VPS for a client once and thought to myself, “Why is this VPS running hotter than my gaming laptop?” Yep. Cryptojacking.

Indications of a compromised server include:

• Constant spikes in CPU usage
• Very slow apps when traffic is low
• Strange processes running
• Rarely, outbound traffic going to mining pools

How Hackers Get Into Servers​

Hackers usually do not break in with Hollywood-style hacking skills. They almost always hack through simple mistakes.

Common Entry Points Include:​

• Weak SSH passwords
• Unpatched versions of software or very old versions of PHP
• Open ports that you can't remember
• Insecure Docker containers

Why Cryptojacking Is More Dangerous Than You Think​

People sometimes say things like, "It's just high CPU load." But it is always much worse than that.

Real examples of what you will face:

• Higher VPS costs because the provider charges for usage
• Slow websites ruining your SEO rankings
• Burned out hardware- using more resources than normal
• Big security holes, leaving open doors to attacks

A cryptojacker today can be a full system compromise tomorrow.

Professional VPS Protection​

I keep my servers spic-and-span based on a simple checklist.

• Use SSH keys instead of passwords
• Rotate your credentials regularly
• Setup a monitoring tool like Netdata or Grafana
• Install malware scanners
• Close out all unused ports
• Setup fail2ban for repeated login attempts

In Closing​

Cryptojacking may not draw your attention, but with no one around to support its activity, it will steal the strength of your server. With all honesty, are you monitoring your VPS, or is someone just using it behind your back?