Hackers are surreptitiously using popular websites and cloud firms to hide code that illegally generates cryptocurrencies. While many sites use the Coin Hive mining script legitimately, some have discovered it running without their knowledge, resulting in banned or suspended accounts. The CoinHive malware is a piece of software designed by hackers who claim they were inspired by Bitcoin developer Gavin Andresen's controversial proposal for an alternative blockchain called Ethereum. Researchers are working on monitoring software to spot illegal mining.
Hackers are surreptitiously using popular websites and cloud firms to hide code that illegally generates cryptocurrencies. While many sites use the Coin Hive mining script legitimately, some have discovered it running without their knowledge, resulting in banned or suspended accounts. Firms operating in the cloud, which have a massive amount of computing power potential, also are increasingly being targeted by rogue miners who run up huge server bills for unsuspecting victims. Researchers are working on monitoring software to spot illegal mining.