A new security hole in Mac devices let attackers secretly install Monero (XMR) mining malware, according to ForkLog. The vulnerability gave bad actors access to the system, making it easy to drop stealthy mining software without tipping off the user.

How the exploit worked

Sources say the malicious software took advantage of a bug in Mac systems to gain control over the device. Once in, it fired up a hidden Monero mining process that could run in the background for ages without the user noticing. This allowed the attackers to quietly farm XMR using the victim's hardware, all while flying under the radar.

Risks for Mac users

Stealth mining tanks your device's performance, causes overheating, and jacks up your power bill. Most people don't realize their Mac is being used to mine crypto until things get sluggish. On top of that, it opens the door to personal data leaks and other cyber threats.

What Mac users should do

Security pros recommend keeping your software up to date and running a solid antivirus to block attacks like this. If your Mac starts acting weird, run a full system scan and kill any sketchy processes you find.