CPU load describes how much processing work a computer’s central processing unit is handling. High load can be normal during demanding tasks, but persistent or unexpected load may indicate a problem or misuse. In cyber security, unauthorized cryptocurrency mining can keep a compromised machine’s CPU busy for an attacker’s benefit, slowing legitimate work and increasing power use.
Defenders monitor CPU load alongside running processes, user activity, and network behavior. A sudden, sustained increase-especially when no expected workload explains it-can prompt investigation for unfamiliar software, unauthorized access, or persistence mechanisms. CPU load alone does not prove an attack, so administrators should identify which processes are consuming resources and compare them with normal system activity.