What type of malware utilizes a victim's computer resources to mine cryptocurrency without their consent?

Cryptojacking specifically refers to the illicit use of a victim's computer resources for cryptocurrency mining without their knowledge or consent. This type of malware gains access to a device—whether through a malicious script, compromised software, or other methods—and utilizes its processing power to solve complex mathematical equations necessary for mining cryptocurrencies. The process often consumes significant system resources, which can slow down the computer and lead to increased electricity costs, as the victim is essentially contributing to the mining efforts for the benefit of the attacker.

In contrast, ransomware is designed to encrypt a victim's files and demand payment for the decryption key. Phishing involves tricking users into providing sensitive information, typically via misleading emails or websites. The term malware is a broad category that encompasses various types of malicious software, including ransomware and cryptojacking, but does not specifically denote the cryptocurrency mining aspect. Therefore, cryptojacking is the most accurate answer, as it directly addresses the unauthorized use of computing resources for mining in the context of cryptocurrency.