Justice Served: The Case of the Cryptojacker
A Japanese court has taken a serious look at a man’s controversial attempt to profit from unsuspecting website visitors by using cryptocurrency mining malware. Initially acquitted, the Tokyo High Court has now reversed this decision, ensuring that even cyber-naughts must face the music.
The Malware Plot Thickens
The drama unfolds like a bad cyber-thriller. The web designer in question, whose identity remains cloaked in mystery, allegedly embedded a Coinhive miner into his website back in October 2017. For a whole month, unsuspecting visitors unwittingly contributed to his crypto fortune as their devices worked overtime—much like a frustrated intern. This insidious form of ‘cryptojacking’ is where cybercriminals exploit user devices without their consent.
Legal Whirlwinds: Acquittal to Appeal
Initially, this rogue designer got off the hook, with the court citing a failure to warn him before his indictment as the reason for his exoneration. However, in a twist befitting any courtroom drama, the High Court’s Presiding Judge Tsutomu Tochigi argued decisively, stating, “Visitors were not informed of the mining program or given the chance to reject it.” It seems ignorance of the law might not be as blissful as it appears for some after all.
How Much Did He Really Make?
While the exact earnings from his cryptojacking escapade remain a mystery, one can only wonder how high the profits might have soared! The Coinhive service, which went belly-up last year due to financial instability, saw a spike in site usage back when people were naïve enough to think that “free money” was good for others’ web visits.
The Ongoing Threat of Cryptojacking
Though Coinhive is now a ghost in the machine, the specter of cryptojacking looms large over the digital landscape. Interpol recently announced a collaboration with cybersecurity firm Trend Micro to address this creeping menace. It seems that even without the major services like Coinhive active, cyber criminals are still mining a bounty of opportunities to exploit unaware internet users.
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