Crypto-Mining via Phishing – Stop Cryptojacking with Awareness Training

What is Crypto-Mining via Phishing?

Cryptojacking is the covert installation of mining software on corporate equipment. Cybercriminals use computing power from your systems to mine cryptocurrency. For the company, this means:

• Cost increase: Higher energy bills and IT capacity disappearing.

• Productivity loss: Slow systems, employee and customer complaints.

• Security risks: The same vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches.

In the Netherlands, this is often combined with phishing emails: realistic-looking emails that trick employees into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Without training, employees often fail to recognize these signals.

How do you implement protection against cryptojacking?

Step 1: Risk analysis and phishing simulation

• Conduct an industry-specific phishing test.

• Identify vulnerable employees and departments.

• Reporting and clear metrics for IT managers.

Step 2: Customized awareness training

• Realistic scenarios tailored to your industry.

• Practical tips for recognizing phishing emails.

• Integration with AVG and NEN7510 compliance.

Step 3: Reporting and monitoring

• Understanding click behavior and areas for improvement.

• Dashboards for IT and management.

• Progress made measurable quarterly.

Step 4: Continuous improvement

• Regular simulations to keep alertness high.

• Adaptation based on new attack techniques.

• Culture shift: security becomes part of daily work.

 

Common mistakes among Dutch SMEs

1. One-time training: Without repetition, effectiveness drops within a few months.

2. No reporting: Without measurable results, understanding of risks is lacking.

3. IT-only focus: Employees outside the IT department are often forgotten.

4. No compliance link: AVG and NEN7510 require demonstrable awareness.

5. Reactive rather than proactive: Taking action only after an incident often costs more.

ALTA-ICT prevents this with a certified, ongoing awareness program and clear KPIs.

 

ROI of Security Awareness Training

On average, our customers see:

• Up to 43% fewer incidents within 3 months.

• Reduction in downtime due to fewer infected systems.

• Demonstrated compliance with ISO27001, ISO9001 and NEN7510.

• Higher employee satisfaction through a safer work environment.

For an SME, this can save tens of thousands of dollars – not to mention the reputational damage that is prevented.

 

The ALTA-ICT approach

At ALTA-ICT, we combine international best practices with Dutch market knowledge:

✅ ISO27001- and NEN7510-certified training
✅ Realistic phishing simulations per sector
✅ Dashboards and reports for management
✅ Measurable ROI with demonstrable drop in incidents
✅ Experienced trainers who understand Dutch compliance and culture

With our approach, employees no longer become the weakest link, but the strongest line of defense.

 

FAQ

1. How often should a phishing simulation be run?
At least quarterly for continued effectiveness.

2. Is awareness training mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes, for sectors such as healthcare (NEN7510) and government (BIO), training is part of compliance.

3. What does an awareness program cost on average?
This varies by company size, but ROI is almost always positive within 6-12 months.

4. Can SMEs deploy this on a small scale?
Sure, we offer scalable packages for companies as small as 10 employees.

5. How do we measure success?
With click rates on phishing simulations, incident reports and management dashboards.

 

Conclusion

Crypto-mining via phishing is a stealth threat that can cost Dutch SMEs dearly. By investing in ISO27001 awareness training, you prevent cryptojacking and strengthen your cyber defenses.

Book a free consultation with ALTA-ICT today and find out how your organization can become more secure immediately.

 

Reference

¹https://www.linkedin.com/posts/altaict_altaict-securityawareness-phishingsimulatie-activity-7368160697634955264-Iwsb