About trojans
A trojan is usually deliberately designed by its author to appear authentic and attractive. For example, it may appear to be a screensaver, a service pack, an application update and so on. Once installed or opened, the trojan may perform its promised function, or display a decoy document to distract the user. In the background however, it also silently performs unauthorized actions (its payload), without the user's knowledge or consent.
Programs identified as Trojan.BitCoinMiners can either function as a miner, or install a separate component that can do so. Malware that use miners as part of their payload are essentially hijacking a user's resources to create cryptocurrency units for the malware author's benefit.
About cryptocurrency mining programs
A cryptocurrency is an anonymous, decentralized form of digital currency, which can be used online as a medium of exchange much like traditional, physical currencies. Multiple cryptocurrencies exist, such as BitCoin, Ethereum and Monero.
Cryptocurrency units can be created by any user with specialized mining programs or miners that run the necessary mathematical calculations. Examples of mining programs include Coinhive, Cryptoloot, Electrum, Hashflare and MinerGate, though there are dozens of other similar programs available online.
The 'crypto' part of the term refers to the use of cryptography both for creating the currency units and for securing transactions made with the units. Because of the anonymity provided by cryptocurrency, its legality and acceptance varies considerably between countries.
FAQs
Home remediation
- Please download Malwarebytes to your desktop.
- Double-click MBSetup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
- When your Malwarebytes for Windows installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
- Click on the Get started button.
- Click Scan to start a Threat Scan.
Bitcoin Miner Virus is a general name for malware that steals a computer's resources to generate cryptocurrency. This dangerous crypto mining malware mostly infects through downloads and browser-based attacks. Slow performance, lagging, and overheating are warning signs of mining malware infection.
How do I find and remove a hidden miner virus? ›
Run antivirus software If you have antivirus software installed, run it and run a full system scan. This may take some time, but may help you find and remove the miner virus. Use anti-miner software There is specialized software that can help detect and remove miner viruses.
Can Malwarebytes detect bitcoin miners? ›
BitCoinMiner is Malwarebytes' generic detection name for crypto-currency miners that may be active on a system without user consent.
Can Trojans be removed? ›
Installing and using a trusted antivirus solution is also one of the top ways to get rid of trojans. An effective antivirus program searches for valid trust and app behavior, as well as trojan signatures in files in order to detect, isolate and then promptly remove them.
How to see if someone is mining on your PC? ›
Is your PC Infected with a Crypto Miner? Here's How to Find Out
- High CPU or GPU Usage. ...
- Increased fan noise and overheating. ...
- Decrease in performance. ...
- Unexplained Network Activity. ...
- Crashes and more crashes. ...
- Short battery life. ...
- Unknown Processes in Task Manager. ...
- Blocked access to system monitoring tools.
Protect against cryptomining
- Keep your devices and software updated. ...
- Install software from reputable sources. ...
- Avoid suspicious websites. ...
- Use ad blockers in your browser. ...
- Disable JavaScript in your browser. ...
- Endpoint protection.
Some common signs of a potential cryptojacking breach are slower computer speeds, unusually high CPU usage, and overheating hardware. But some cryptojackers take measures to mask these signs.
Are Bitcoin miners bad for your PC? ›
Key Takeaways:
Crypto mining can strain your PC's resources, primarily through heat generation and increased wear and tear on hardware like the CPU and GPU. Proper cooling, a reliable power supply, and moderate usage are crucial to minimize risks and extend your PC's lifespan while mining.
How do I find hidden malware on my computer? ›
Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and then select Scan now.
BitcoinMiner Trojan, follow these steps:
- STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes.
- STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows.
- STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings.
- STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Trojans and Unwanted Programs.
- STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware.
Removing a computer virus from a PC
- Step 1: Download and install a virus scanner. ...
- Step 2: Disconnect from internet. ...
- Step 3: Reboot your computer into safe mode. ...
- Step 4: Delete any temporary files. ...
- Step 5: Run a virus scan. ...
- Step 6: Delete or quarantine the virus. ...
- Step 7: Reboot your computer. ...
- Step 8: Change all your passwords.
Trojan. BitCoinMiner is Malwarebytes' generic detection name for crypto-currency miners that run on the affected machine without the users' consent.
Is my computer secretly mining Bitcoin? ›
Unusual CPU Usage. One of the most telltale signs of cryptojacking or malware infection is a sudden and unexplained spike in CPU usage. Since crypto mining requires significant computational power, an infected device will often show high CPU usage even when not performing any intensive tasks.
Can the FBI trace Bitcoin? ›
The FBI tracks and traces Bitcoins used in scams and crimes by using specialized blockchain analysis tools to monitor transactions, link addresses, and identify patterns indicative of illicit activities.
How do I get rid of Bitcoin miner on my computer? ›
How to Delete a Miner Virus
- Step 1: start the system in Safe Mode. Restart your PC. ...
- Step 2: run antivirus software. Make sure that you have legit antivirus software installed. ...
- Step 3: restart your device.
- Step 4: Don't forget to update the OS and software. Check for system updates.
Antivirus Software: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious programs. Malwarebytes: Use a specialized malware removal tool like Malwarebytes to scan for and remove unwanted Bitcoin mining software.
How do I get rid of Trojan killer? ›
Most of the computer programs have uninstall.exe or uninst000.exe in their installation folders.
- Go to the installation folder of Trojan Killer. Most of the times it is located in C:\Programs files or C:\Program files(x86)
- Double click the file to start the uninstallation process.
BitcoinMiner Trojan, follow these steps:
- STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes.
- STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows.
- STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings.
- STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Trojans and Unwanted Programs.
- STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware.
