Apple Fixes macOS Bug Used to Secretly Mine Cryptocurrency

Apple has released a security patch for a critical flaw in macOS Screen Sharing after attackers were found exploiting it to gain root access—the highest level of control—on affected Macs. Once inside, the hackers installed Monero cryptocurrency miners, using victims' computing power and electricity to generate profit for themselves.

This type of attack, known as cryptojacking, often goes unnoticed because it doesn't steal data directly. Instead, it slows down systems, increases power usage, and can indicate deeper security weaknesses that could later be exploited for more damaging attacks. Because the flaw allowed root access, attackers could potentially have done far more than mine cryptocurrency had they chosen to.

Australian small businesses using Macs, particularly those with Screen Sharing or remote access features enabled, should treat this as a reminder to keep systems updated. Apple's patch closes the specific vulnerability, but only for users who install it promptly.