PPMiner

PPMiner is a cryptocurrency mining utility that may run on macOS systems without the permission of their administrator. It is not clear how this threat is being propagated, but it is likely that its operators are relying on fake downloads, misleading advertisements, pirated software, and other dodgy content to trick users into downloading a potentially harmful application. Once PPMiner is executed, it will gain persistence by manipulating the macOS Launch Daemon. The threat appears to use the name 'mshelper' to disguise its presence. Aside from these particular actions, PPMiner is nothing more than a modified version of the open-source XMRig miner – a popular cryptocurrency mining utility. In the case of PPMiner, it has been configured to mine for the Monero cryptocurrency by harvesting the system's CPU resources.

PPMiner Hijacks Your CPU Resources to Mine for Monero

Having PPMiner running on your OSX device means that you will have over 90% of your CPU's resources being used at all times. This may slow down the system significantly, and prevent you from using heavy software and games. PPMiner also will cause your components to run at higher temperatures, therefore potentially reducing their lifespan

Although the number of Windows-compatible cryptominers is very large, there is no doubt that Mac cryptocurrency mining tools also have become very popular among online con artists. It is recommended to make sure that your Mac will not end up with a miner on it, because this may cause a lot of performance and stability issues to your computer. The best way to protect yourself is to use a suitable anti-malware tool to keep PPMiner away.