Pwnet

The Pwnet malware is a threat, which is programmed to target Mac computers exclusively. This threat has been active since 2017, and several URLs, which are affiliated with this tool are still operational to this day. The goal of the Pwnet malware is to execute a cryptocurrency miner on the user’s computer, which will mine for the Monero cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency miner is not a synonym to malware – many such tools are legitimate but get misappropriated by cyber crooks for nefarious purposes. Cybercriminals would compromise a user’s computer and plant a cryptocurrency miner on it without their knowledge or consent. Such cryptocurrency miners would use up CPU resources without any regard for the lifespan of the machine.

After malware experts researched the Pwnet threat, they discovered that it is being propagated via hacks for a video game called CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive). The operators of the Pwnet threat have set up a website, which offers visitors to download a hack for CS:GO. The users who visit the dodgy website also are offered to subscribe to a private version of the hack, which is meant to provide them with more features that will enhance their gameplay. Regardless of whether the users opt to download the free or the paid version, they will end up installing the Pwnet malware on their computers. Having in mind that the hack will work as intended when the user plays CS:GO, they may never even realize that they have installed a cryptocurrency miner on their computers.

To gain persistence on the infected Mac computer, the Pwnet malware will use the Launch Deamon service. Then, the Pwnet threat will activate its mining module and will begin mining the Monero cryptocurrency. All the collected coins will be transferred to the wallets of the Pwnet malware’s operators. It would appear that the dodgy CS:GO hack has already been downloaded more than 2,000 times.

More and more cyber crooks are creating cryptocurrency miners that target Mac computers specifically. Make sure your Mac is not vulnerable to cyber-attacks by investing in a genuine anti-spyware software suite that will protect your system and your files.