Win32.CoinMiner


CoinMiner virus – a dangerous trojan horse which is still actively infecting PC systems

CoinMiner!Bit is used to mine crypto

CoinMiner is a deceptive virus which has been actively used to mine Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. Typically, miner enters systems without users’ direct consent under or approval by disguising itself as another program. The main problem caused by this threat is a serious drop in your Internet speed. You can start noticing browser crashes and similar problems when infected with CoinMiner which has already been wandering on the Internet since 2011.

Name CoinMiner
Type of malware Trojan
Symptoms High CPU usage, Internet speed reduction, crashes, freezes, unresponsive apps, etc.
AV detection
  • coinminer!bit
  • trojan:win32/coinminer!bit
  • win32/coinminer!bit
  • trojan:html/coinminer
Danger level Medium. Diminishes PC’s performance, can cause crashes. Trojans can also try to steal personal information
Distribution Bundling. Usually, mimic web browser’s extensions
Elimination The only way to get rid of a Trojan is to run a scan with advanced anti-virus software. Additionally, if you are interrupted by system errors and crashes, run Reimage Reimage Cleaner to fix virus damage

Fortunately, the trojan can be detected with the help of majority security applications, including Windows Defender.[1] Typically, it is reported as coinminer!bit, trojan:win32/coinminer!bit or win32/coinminer!bit. If this malware happens to infiltrate your operating system, it should be blocked within seconds. However, outdated security tools may fail to recognize and neutralize it. 

Since its appearance of the original version, malware has shown up under different versions. Here are just a few of them[2]

  • Win32/CoinMiner.EE
  • Win32/CoinMiner.DV
  • Win32/CoinMiner.BB

The miner might also execute cgminer.exe[3] command on the system. Though the miner does not leave any visible traces on the PC desktop, you can suspect its presence when the device starts underperforming. System programs may start lagging to open or become non-responsive. You might also detect the CoinMiner Trojan task in the Task Manager. At times, it will use more than 40% of CPU energy resources. 

CoinMiner Trojan virus
CoinMiner Trojan virus causes system’s slowdowns and high CPU usage.

Certainly, the slow computer system is one of the main issues related to cryptocurrency miners. To improve your computer’s functionality and start using it as previously, you need to remove CoinMiner virus without wasting your system’s resources. If you want to make sure that this threat doesn’t hide on your computer anymore, you can rely on SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Once you finish with CoinMiner removal, you can repair the system with Reimage Reimage Cleaner . It will help you repair virus damage, corrupted system files and similar issues.

Miners – under the cover of browser extensions

Mining cryptocurrency is a new wave among malware developers. Discovered ample browser plug-ins in the Chrome Web store, apps in Google Play and Apple stores prove such a statement.[4] Fortunately, you may ward off such unwanted software by using specific anti-coin-mining browser add-ons. However, choose wisely before installing one. 

Furthermore, if you update your anti-virus tool, it will be also able to block such infection. Since some hackers are shifting their focus on crypto-currency miners rather than ordinary malware, it would be a fatal mistake to disregard the possibility that such miners might be delivered alongside ransomware – to double perpetrator’s profits.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep your system updated. In addition, pay attention to what and where you download new apps from. Note that free sound editing utilities, media players, and file converters often bear unwanted attachments under “Recommended” or even “Custom” settings. Inspect the stages of installation stages before hitting the “Install” button. 

CoinMiner uses lots of CPU's resources
The presence of Win32.CoinMiner directly affects your PC performance as it uses lots of CPU’s resources

Coinminer!bit removal steps

Updated anti-virus utility will block the threat before it settles on the system, so make sure you install reliable security software before it gets onto your computer without your approval and starts mining cryptocurrency for your money. According to some users[5], Windows Defender and another third-party software did not help them remove CoinMiner virus. In that case, you may run the scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes or similar malware removal software. Reimage Reimage Cleaner will help you fix virus damage.

In case the crypto-coin miner infiltrated your PC system together with another trojan or backdoor, restart the computer in Safe Mode and run a full scan with your anti-virus to find hidden trojan components. Then, make sure you repeat this procedure in normal mode as well. These steps should complete CoinMiner removal:

Reimage Reimage Cleaner has a free limited scanner. Reimage Reimage Cleaner offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.

This entry was posted on 2019-11-19 at 03:07 and is filed under Malware, Viruses.