This article provides information how cpuminer-x86.exe miner virus infects the PC and a guide that shows how to remove cpuminer-x86.exe miner from the system.
Cpuminer-x86.exe is a cryptocurrency miner malware that infects computer systems worldwide. It is designed to use system resources and mine one or more cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero. The infection may be triggered by a Trojan Horse installed on the computer. Once the Trojan executes the miner, it will utilize the CPU and GPU power that may irreversibly damage them. In case that you notice the mining process Cpuminer-x86.exe running on your computer, it is recommended to remove it immediately.
Threat Summary
| Name | cpuminer-x86.exe |
| Type | Miner Trojan Horse |
| Short Description | Aims to use the resources of your computer to mine for cryptocurrencies at your CPU’s or GPU’s expense. |
| Symptoms | After infection the miner elevates the CPU and GPU usage to up to 100% which cause PC overheating and misbehaving. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious e-mail spam attachments or fake files uploaded online. |
| Detection Tool |
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cpuminer-x86.exe Miner – Distribution Methods
There are several ways for distribution of cryptocurrency mining viruses like cpuminer-x86.exe. The most preferred method appears to be via other malware such as Trojans, injectors, worms and malicious JavaScrips.
These infections are usually sent to you as an e-mail that pretends to deliver valuable information from banking institutions, online stores, popular websites, and other legitimate organizations. The text messages may be trying to convince you that you should download a file attachment that contains the malware code. Except corrupted file attachments malicious intenders might inject the malicious miner script into a web page and then post the link in the e-mail message.
The Cpuminer-x86.exe miner malware may enter your computer via deceptive buttons, banners and sites generated in your browser after the installation of a potentially unwanted program or via fake setups.
cpuminer-x86.exe Miner – More Details
Once the infection file that contains the cryptocurrency miner virus cpuminer-x86.exe is running on the system, it may drop additional data needed for the mining process. There are several folders where the files may be located, and they are:
After the malware arms with all necessary components, it initiates a sequence of malicious actions to fulfill the attack. First, it may access the Windows Registry Editor to add registry entries that ensure its persistence on the system. Usually, the process cpuminer-x86.exe is set to run automatically on each Windows load due to modification of the Run and RunOnce registry sub-keys.
As the miner virus may act like a typical Trojan Horse after infection it may install a keylogger to track your keystrokes and send screenshots of your desktop to hackers in real time. Furthermore, the malware may be designed to steal your files, obtain your passwords and browser logins and gather information about all devices connected to the same network so it can easily infect them.
However, the primary aim of Cpuminer-x86.exe is to connect your computer to a cryptocurrency mining pool and utilize its resources to mine one or more cryptocurrencies for its developers. As a result, you may notice that the CPU or the GPU of the computer are overheating which in long term can cause them permanent damage.
Remove cpuminer-x86.exe Miner Virus from Your Computer
The removal of the destructive process cpuminer-x86.exe is possible either manually or automatically. Both approaches are listed in the step-by-step instructions below. Have in mind that cpuminer-x86.exe is a persistent threat that may keep appearing after the manual removal. Security experts recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool as it provides maximum efficiency and complete removal of all malicious components associated with the cpuminer-x86.exe miner virus. What’s more it will protect your system from nasty infections like cpuminer-x86.exe in future.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Preparation before removing cpuminer-x86.exe.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for cpuminer-x86.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by cpuminer-x86.exe on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by cpuminer-x86.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by cpuminer-x86.exe on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
cpuminer-x86.exe FAQ
What Does cpuminer-x86.exe Trojan Do?
The cpuminer-x86.exe Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like cpuminer-x86.exe, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can cpuminer-x86.exe Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can cpuminer-x86.exe Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the cpuminer-x86.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this cpuminer-x86.exe how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on cpuminer-x86.exe?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the cpuminer-x86.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.