Apple protects users by banning cryptocurrency mining apps

US — Apple has set new rules for app developers which ban the creation of cryptocurrency mining apps on its mobile devices to protect iOS users, reports IT world.

Apple is moving to stop the practice of hackers using a portion of the CPU power from thousands of different iPads or iPhones to mine cryptocurrency.

Apparently, Apple has made several rule changes stating that any apps, "including third party advertisements..may not run unrelated background processes, such as cryptocurrency mining."

ComputerWorld reports that the cryptocurrency-mining services "thrash your CPU, and drain your battery."

ComputerWorld also reports cryptocurrency services are known for spreading malware, reportedly being one of the top offenders of doing so.

Apparently cryptocurrency services use a small piece of JavaScript it installs on websites, advertisements then uses the code to hijack part of the CPU power of the device to mine cryptocurrency. This practice is known as "cryptojacking."

Cryptomining malware has been on the rise in the past year, following the rise of cryptocurrency, IT world reports.

For now, Apple is the only one to ban cryptocurrency mining apps, however Google may soon join Apple in the decision.