According to the 2018 IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, the frequency and sophistication of malicious cryptocurrency mining, also called “cryptojacking,” has increased drastically in the past year. This mining is changing malicious actors’ priorities: While they had previously targeted companies’ data and financial assets, they are now seeking to extract value from organizations’ computing resources.

As a result, industries with powerful computers and relatively weak defenses — such as scientific research institutions and media companies — are suddenly caught in the crosshairs.