Yes it could mean it is time to get a new device. But there is another possibility. According to a recent BBC Website article, the price of Bitcoins and other cyber-currency has given huge incentives to cyber criminals to mine cyber-currency. This has resulted in an explosion of data mining.
So what is data mining? Data mining seeks to solve a complicated mathematical problem that requires massive amounts of computer power. Rather than purchase computer systems, cyber thieves seek to install malware on individual computers, smart phones, and networks thus harnessing your computing power in the quest to get Bitcoins and other cyber-currency.
Security software vender Malwarebytes stated that they are stopping over 8 million attempted hacks a day. The malicious software can be installed by going to the wrong website, downloading an interesting app or game, or opening a suspicious e-mail.
So if your computer is running slow, programs do not always work the way you expect or your smartphone’s battery is draining extremely fast, you may be part of a vast network of unknowing data miners.