The rise of bitcoin signaled a new era of how currencies are perceived in this digital age. Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology that many experts say will challenge even the fiat currencies we use globally. The essence of digital currencies such as bitcoin is that they are created digitally by the vast network of computers engaged in peer-to-peer communication. All the interactions and transactions between these computers are clumped together in blocks and noted in that so-called public ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoins are the virtual currency like no other.
Every transaction concluded is recorded and verified, so there isn’t a chance in the world a transaction can be copied. This aspect is critical as bitcoins are a decentralized digital currency that isn’t controlled by any government or organization, unlike fiat currencies.
To create bitcoins and run this entire network and verify transactions, you need tremendous computer power capable of completing the most complex computations and algorithms. These computers are a part of the process called Bitcoin mining.
For every transaction verified by your computer, you will be awarded a portion of bitcoin. These computers need a lot of computational power and energy to allow them to continuously work on the algorithms and support the transactions involving bitcoin.
To some, it seems like easy money, but think again. There are various risks involved in bitcoin mining, and this article will present the most common ones. Read on!
Security Risks
As most people believe that Bitcoin mining represents an easy way to earn money, they soon come to realize this is not the case. First of all, the computer-powered Bitcoin mining demands frequently exceed the power a personal PC unit can offer, so they are always looking for other ways to get that power from other sources. These other sources might be computers from users that don’t even know their PCs are being used for mining. These other computers are dubbed “crypto jacked” computers. So, the major security risk is that your computer might be hijacked from other mining programs, jeopardizing your sensitive data.
Energy Costs
High-powered PC units used for Bitcoin mining require a lot of energy to operate. This high energy demand will see a rise in the electricity bills, questioning the economy behind the endeavor.
Also, the computers that work ceaselessly on Bitcoin mining might disrupt the voltage in your home’s electrical grid and drain the power away from other appliances, causing them to malfunction. Remember, the profit is only calculated after the utility bills, and the investments have been accounted for.
To create your mining rig, you need several thousands of dollars worth the equipment working day and night for a long time before any profits can be recorded, which makes Bitcoin mining a risky business model, to say the least.
