Research Warns 'Familiar' Monero Mining Malware Is Infecting Windows Systems

A new hacking tool is propagating throughout the online community in an attempt to install cryptocurrency mining malware, researchers at security intelligence firm Trend Micro confirmed in a blog post on Feb. 20.

"Users are advised to regularly download patches from legitimate vendors as soon as they are released."

The news will likely come as little surprise to cryptocurrency users, who have faced a raft of XMR mining malware threats over the past year.

As Cointelegraph reported, citing two independent research efforts, approximately 4.5 percent of the total XMR in circulation is thought to have been mined by such malware.

Malicious parties favor the altcoin due to its privacy and anonymity, along with the relative ease of mining it on consumer-grade devices, such as laptops and smartphones.