Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created with the purpose to explain more about Coin Miner infections and how to protect your computer from these threats using few simple tips.
CryptoCurrency mining viruses have increased infections on victim PCs more often in the year 2017 and this trend has continued to ascend, reachine a worrying level, which has put them very close to ransomware viruses in terms of malware popularity. Increasingly targeting government facilities, such as hospitals, this type of malware is becoming a serious issue, which needs to be contained. However, not every user is secure and you might be compromised without knowing it, like the situation with the MediaGet torrent program has shown us, infecting over 400,000 users in less than a day via an update of a program, already installed on victims’ computers.
Coin Miner Malware – How Does It Infect?
To understand the methods of infection of these types of viruses we need to understand what types of programs are used to activate them. In the coin miner world, these are generally known as two types of infection:
File-less, using a JavaScript code, ran directly via your web browser.
Via a Trojan malware or a “Trojanized” app, which runs the malicious executable type of files directly on your computer as a process.
Via the Java programming language, targeting all types of mobile devices, such as tablets or smartphones.
So, now that we have cleared the types of coin miners that are out there, it is time to explain of the types of methods, used to infect victims:
Method 1: Via a Scamming or Any Other Types of Fake Web Pages, Activating the Malicious JavaScript
This method is the most likely and most often used method, since, it does not involve file-less infection and the mining process commences immediately. The method often uses websites that are not exactly legitimate according to the law, such as The Pirate Bay which was involved in a severe cryptocurrency miner attack by having a Coinhive JavaScript miner added directly in it’s source code, mining the Monero cryptocurrency.
In addition to this type of attack, cyber-criminals have also learnt to utilize potentially unwanted programs, like the Auto Refresh Plus adware miner “virus” which used the following scamming pop-up in order to install itself on the web browsers of victims as a seemingly legitimate browser extension, that runs the JavaScript each time you start Firefox.
This process is easier for the cyber-criminals to devise, since the malware may begin to perform various different activities via the legitimate process of your web browser, and since traditional antivirus protection categorizes the web browser processes as legitimate ones and they are whitelisted, the virus can be significantly more difficult to detect, if we exclude the high CPU and GPU usage on the victimized computer.
Method 2: Via E-Mail Spam Messages
“The oldest trick in the book is the most successful one” as many experienced scammers would often stay. This is why when Trojanized viruses or even JavaScript miners are sent to infect computers, often, the spam e-mail tactic is utilized. What the hackers do in it is they apply their social engineering skills to the extent of fooling you that the e-mail is important and comes from a large company, like PayPal, DHL and other big companies. One the related article below, you can see how most of the scamming and malicious mails that have infected the most amount of users as of recent time have started to appear like:
Method 3: Via Malicious Android or Apple Store Apps
This method of infection with Coin Miner viruses has been detected to be used in a malware infection method that triggers different JavaScript alongside the installation of the dubious app, like Trend Micro researchers have detected. The malicious applications often pretend to be legitimate ones, such as the detected miner apps in the image below:
When installed they run a JavaScript infection, aiming to rung a JavaScript library, code, in this example, reported to be the following:
Method 4: Via Malicious Update of A PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application)
This method has recently be used in a massive attack, which utilized the Dofoil Miner Trojan in a torrent program, used by many, primarily in Russia. The program, known as MediaGet was not generally detected by many antivirus programs, since it has been classified as a PUP, which may display ads occasionally. However, someone with access to the application’s updates has used a process installed alongside MediaGet to slither malicious code, belonging to a Trojan code. This code rand a malicious .exe process running the program as a Trojan horse on the victim’s computer which not only may steal information from it, but also has been reported to mine for cryptocurrencies on the victims’ computer which are anonymous, like Monero.
Coin Miner Viruses – How to Protect Myself from All Directions?
After we have had the primary methods of infection cleared, it is time to focus on establishing a protection system which is as automated as possible. So, to make sure that no miners enter your computer, we have devised several different steps to protect yourself from attacks via your e-mail, web browser, smartphone and computer as well, and if you follow those steps you are guaranteed to increase your protection rate against such miner malware significantly.
How to Protect My Web Browser from Miners?
We have decided to start with web browsers, since most cryptocurrency miner infections begin their infection process by utilizing JavaScript on your web browser. So, in order to establish protection on your web browser, you need to perform the following steps:
Step 1: Install an AdBlocking application, such as AdBlock Plus – It’s free.
Step 2: Make sure that you Disable Java on your web browsers. Here is how to do it for different web browsers:
Chrome – Go to chrome://plugins and scroll down to Java. – Click the underlined in blue Disable text link. – Check if you want to disable Flash and other plugins that may be risky as well. Firefox – Go to the Tools menu and choose Add-ons. – Click on Plugins which should be on your left. – Scroll down to the list until you see the Java Plug-in. – Click on the “Disable” button on the right site of your screen. – You can also disable Flash Player and other risky plugins as well and after you are finished, close the Add-ons window. Opera Browser – Go to opera:plugins. – Click on the Disable text button underlined in blue color. It should be located where the Java Applet Plug-in is located. – Uncheck Enable plug-ins at the top in order to disable other risky plugins as well and then close the tab/window. Safari – From the menu of Safari on the right click on Preferences. Then go to the Security option and uncheck the Enable Java check box after which close the window.
What If I Need Java and Use it, But Still Want to be Protected?
In the event that Java or Flash player are a must plugin if you want to work via them, recommendations are to install a web browser extension which blocks the specific JavaScript attacks, which are related to miner viruses. Such extension is the recommended option according to security experts, but the bad news about it is that you have to add it manually after downloading it from GitHub by visiting it’s web page, available in the installation instructions underneath.
The browser extension has been created in order to block threats which are coded in JS code. It can block the following JavaScript-based attacks on your computer:
Rowhammer.js
Practical Memory Deduplication Attacks in Sandboxed JavaScript.
Fantastic Timers.
ASLR on the Line.
The spy in the sandbox.
Loophole.
Pixel perfect timing attacks via HTML5.
The clock is still ticking.
Practical Keystroke Timing Attacks.
TouchSignatures.
Stealing sensitive browser data via the W3C Ambient Light Sensor API.
The browser extension does not use a lot of the Chrome’s memory and it has currently been reported to block over half of the Chrome zero-days, detected in association with JavaScript attacks. The browser extension may also further be improved in the future, but it all depends on the community. In order to install Chrome Zero extension after downloading it from GitHub, you will need to perform the following installation instructions:
– Go to Chromes Extensions management page (chrome://extensions) – Enable Developer Mode. – Click on “Load Unpacked” – Seleck the folder /chromezero within the source code of the extension and let it load. – After you have loaded it, you can select your protection level by choosing among 5 four protection levels (Low, Medium, High and Tin Foil Hat for the paranoid ones).
The app has been created thanks to the same smart individuals who are behind the discovery of the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities and the JavaScript version of the Rowhammer attack.
How to Protect My E-mail from Miner Trojans?
When we get to the second method used for protecting yourself from malware and miner viruses, we need to review malware protection as a whole. Some e-mails, besides just malicious files may also contain malicious web links on them, but those are often blocked by e-mail providers. Either way, if they are heavily masked, you may become a victim. This is why, in order to check malicious web links, we recommend that you go to the VirusTotal’s website and in it paste the web link which you see in the e-mail by right clicking on it and clicking on “Copy Link” and then going to the VT’s web page and pasting it in the following field after which clicking on “Scan It!”.
For malicious e-mail attachments, you can again go to the VT’s web page and upload the file there, but then your risk of getting infected by downloading the file. So for maximum effectiveness, we advise you to use the ZipeZip e-mail service. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: Click on “Forward” on the e-mail which you believe to contain a malicious e-mail attachment. On e-mail recipient, enter the e-mail address – unzip@zipezip.com.
Step 2: You should receive a return e-mail message which contains the results of your malware analysis on a web link to ZipeZip. Here is how the return e-mail appears:
When you click on the URL, you will receive a detailed infection report for your malicious file, which appears like the following:
If you want to upload archives to check whether the files in them are malicious or virus-free, you can also visit the ZipeZip.com.
How to Protect My Computer from Miner Trojans?
In order to completely secure your computer with minimum effort, you can install a bunch of different software, but since this will take up a lot of your time, experts strongly advise you to focus on downloading an advanced anti-malware software. These types of programs aim to ensure that you have an advanced anti-malware protection running in real-time that has the ability to stop:
Ransomware.
Trojans.
Miner malware.
PUPs that may cause infections via redirecting you to malicious web links.
Malicious attachments which are already downloaded on your computer.
Instructions on such advanced anti-malware software which can protect you in real-time against all of those threats can be found below:
How Do I Protect my Smartphone from Coin Miner Viruses?
Regarding smartphones, many of the today’s devices feature different protection mechanisms already. These protection mechanisms are sturdy, but since smartphones are running on Java and JavaScript all the time, it is not easy to manage them. This is why anti-malware protection is required there as well. We recommend installing a mobile antivirus application from the likes of Kaspersky’s Mobile Antivirus program, which aims to ensure that your smartphone is secured against all types of threats all of the time. You can add it from it’s web page in the Google Play Store, available below. Be advised that Kaspersky also offer different programs for mobile protection for Apple devices as well.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Coin Miner may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Preparation before removing Coin Miner.
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.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Coin Miner
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
1. Hold Windows key()+ R
2. The “Run” Window will appear. In it, type “msconfig” and click OK.
3. Go to the “Boot” tab. There select “Safe Boot” and then click “Apply” and “OK”.
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.
4. When prompted, click on “Restart” to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Coin Miner on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Coin Miner there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type “regedit” and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 files created by Coin Miner
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
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 navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting “Step 4”, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode. This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Coin Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Coin Miner.
Ransomware infections and Coin Miner aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Coin Miner may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Preparation before removing Coin Miner.
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.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Coin Miner
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
1. Hold Windows key()+ R
2. The “Run” Window will appear. In it, type “msconfig” and click OK.
3. Go to the “Boot” tab. There select “Safe Boot” and then click “Apply” and “OK”.
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.
4. When prompted, click on “Restart” to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Coin Miner on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Coin Miner there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type “regedit” and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 files created by Coin Miner
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
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 navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting “Step 4”, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode. This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Coin Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Coin Miner may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Preparation before removing Coin Miner.
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.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Uninstall Coin Miner and related software from Windows
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs.No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall”
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 2: Clean your Browsers from Coin Miner.
Remove an extension from Mozilla FirefoxRemove an extension from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Internet Explorer Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its “Remove” button.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Internet Explorer: 2. Click on the gear icon labeled ‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
3. In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window.
4. Select the extension you want to remove and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
5. After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ button located at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Edge
2. Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
3. From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
4. Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
5. Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Coin Miner on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Coin Miner there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type “regedit” and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting “Step 4”, please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode. This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Coin Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Coin Miner may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download Combo Cleaner and run free scan to remove all virus files on your Mac. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Combo Cleaner’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
Backup your files in case the worst happens.
Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall Coin Miner and remove related files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with Combo Cleaner
Keep in mind, that Combo Cleaner needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Coin Miner:
Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.
4. Click on the “Go” button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Coin Miner. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Coin Miner. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“–“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
Step 2: Remove Coin Miner – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the Extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Safari
2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
3. From the menu, click on “Preferences“
4. After that, select the ‘Extensions’ Tab
5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.
6. Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Coin Miner will be removed.
How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.
Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.
Step 3: Scan for and remove Coin Miner files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Coin Miner, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Thank you, Vencislav for a very useful article. I often browse websites related to cryptocurrencies and there is a risk to get my notebook infected with viruses or troyans. I heard that there was some addon but only here I could find the link. Thank you so much
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This article has been created with the purpose to explain more about Coin Miner infections and how to protect your computer from these threats using few simple tips.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Remove an extension from Mozilla Firefox
Remove an extension from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Thank you, Vencislav for a very useful article. I often browse websites related to cryptocurrencies and there is a risk to get my notebook infected with viruses or troyans. I heard that there was some addon but only here I could find the link. Thank you so much