What is Almafurics?
Almafurics appeared in Task Manager, a security tool flagged a file or process by this name, or the device is running unusually hot with fans spinning at full speed. Read this guide immediately – Almafurics is a Trojan and cryptocurrency miner that hijacks the device’s CPU and GPU for unauthorized coin mining and must be removed as quickly as possible.
Almafurics is a malicious program in the same documented family as Almarurics Service, Almoristics, and AlmoristicsService – a cluster of Trojan cryptocurrency miners that install as a named service or background process and consume the device’s processing power to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker. Like its related variants, Almafurics creates folder structures in the user’s AppData directory and may install a rogue browser extension by placing files directly in the browser’s extensions directory – requiring both folder deletion and extension removal as part of any complete cleanup. The malware is designed to run silently and persistently, starting automatically with Windows and resuming after reboot through service entries and registry keys. Extended operation causes hardware wear from sustained high CPU and GPU load, elevated electricity consumption, and significant system performance degradation.
Almafurics Short Overview
| Type | Trojan cryptocurrency miner in the Almarurics and Almoristics malware family. Installs as a Windows service, creates AppData folders for persistence, may install a rogue Chrome extension alongside the mining component. Mines CPU and GPU resources for the attacker without authorization. |
| Symptoms | Device running unusually hot with fans at full speed. Severe performance slowdown on all applications. A process named Almafurics or an AlmafuricsApp folder appearing in AppData. Security tool flagging the file or service. A new unfamiliar Chrome extension appearing without deliberate installation. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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How Did I Get Almafurics?
- Software bundling with unofficial free downloads – The documented primary delivery route for this miner family: a free program from a third-party download site installs Almafurics as a hidden bundled component through software bundling, placing the miner and its service entries without separate disclosure.
- Cracked software or pirated application installers – Cracked applications, game repacks, and key generators from unofficial sources embed Almafurics in the installer, executing the miner silently alongside the claimed software.
- A fake software update or deceptive download page – A redirect on a streaming or download site presents a fake browser update, media codec, or utility that delivers the Almafurics miner instead of the claimed content.
- A second-stage payload from an existing infection – An already-present malware component downloaded and installed Almafurics from attacker-controlled infrastructure as a secondary monetization payload.
What Does Almafurics Do?
- Mines cryptocurrency using the device’s CPU and GPU without authorization – The miner process runs continuously in the background, directing all available processing power to cryptocurrency mining operations for the attacker’s wallet. This is why the device runs hot, fans run constantly, and all other applications become sluggish.
- Installs a persistent Windows service for automatic startup – Almafurics registers itself as a Windows service to ensure it starts automatically on every boot, making it survive standard program uninstall attempts and return after apparent removal.
- Creates folder structures in AppData for component storage – Like related Almarurics and Almoristics variants, Almafurics creates folders in the AppData directory (including Default, WindowsApp, and ServiceApp type folders) to store and reload its components.
- May install a rogue Chrome extension – Security researchers confirm that Almafurics-family infections can place files directly in the browser’s extensions directory to install a malicious extension, which may inject advertising or route browser traffic through the attacker’s network alongside the mining activity.
- Degrades hardware and causes ongoing electricity costs – Sustained maximum CPU and GPU load accelerates thermal wear on processors and cooling systems and measurably increases electricity consumption as long as the miner remains active.
How to Remove Almafurics [Fix]
- Boot into Safe Mode before attempting removal – The Almafurics service is designed to block its own removal while running. Press F8 during startup or hold Shift while clicking Restart in Windows 10 and 11 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking, which prevents the miner service from loading.
- Stop and delete the Almafurics service – Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sc stop Almafurics followed by sc delete Almafurics. Also check Services (services.msc) for any unfamiliar service with a recent installation date pointing to an AppData or Temp path.
- Delete the AppData folders created by the miner – Open the AppData Local folder (type %localappdata% in Run) and delete any folder named Almafurics, AlmafuricsApp, Default, WindowsApp, or ServiceApp that is not associated with a recognized application and has a creation date matching the infection period.
- Remove the rogue Chrome extension – Open Chrome extensions manager (chrome://extensions), enable Developer mode, and check for any extension with an unusual ID that was not deliberately installed. Remove it. If the Remove button is grayed out, use the Chrome Policy Remover tool to clear the enterprise policy enforcing it first.
- Check Task Scheduler and registry startup entries – Open taskschd.msc and look for any task running a file from AppData or Temp. Check registry Run keys under HKCU and HKLM and delete any Almafurics-related entry.
- Run a full anti-malware scan – Use SpyHunter or a dedicated anti-malware tool to identify and remove all remaining components. Given that this family can install multiple persistence layers, a full automated scan is more reliable than manual deletion alone.
Follow the complete removal guide below this article for the full step-by-step process across Windows and Mac.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing Almafurics.
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 Almafurics with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Almafurics 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 Almafurics 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 Almafurics 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.
Almafurics FAQ
What Does Almafurics Trojan Do?
The Almafurics 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 Almafurics, 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 Almafurics 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 Almafurics 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 Almafurics Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Almafurics 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 Almafurics?
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 Almafurics threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.