This article has been created in order to assist in identifying and removing the deftesrg.exe Monero miner malware from your computer to prevent it from mining the cryptocurrency Monero on it.
A new miner malware which uses the process deftesrg.exe has been detected to connect victim computers to a Monero mining pool and begins to utilize their CPU and GPU power in order to mine for the crypto. This results in the infect computer to significantly slow down, freeze and even break down due to overheating if the malware remains for longer periods of time on it. So if you see any signs of presence of the deftesrg.exe Monero miner malware we strongly suggest that you read the following article and learn how to remove this miner from your PC in a safe manner.
Threat Summary
| Name | Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner |
| Type | Miner Trojan Horse |
| Short Description | Aims to use the system’s resources of the infected computers to mine for Monero and other crypto currencies. |
| Symptoms | After infection the miner overloads the CPU for extended periods of time which results in poor PC performance and system crashes. |
| Distribution Method | Networks attacks, exploits, emails, scam sites and malware downloads. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner. |
Deftesrg.exe Miner Malware — Spread
The deftesrg.exe miner malware may be replicated via more than one ways. It is not clear which strategy is most preferred by the cyber-criminals, but it is most likely that spam e-mails that contain deceitful messages and malicious attachments that are the cause of infection. Such e-mails often portray the malicious files of deftesrg.exe miner malware as legitimate documents of various types:
- Invoice.
- Receipt.
- Order confirmation.
- Product return.
In addition to this, the deftesrg.exe miner malware is also the type of malware that may come as a malicious web link posted in fake e-mails, that are very clever copies of legitimate companies from the likes of Dropbox, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. just to get you to click on it. Such e-mails look very similar to what an original e-mail from those companies would look like, for example:
Furthermore, besides via e-mail, the malicious files may also pretend to be legitimate types of files from the likes of:
- Fake software setups.
- Fraudulent key generators or software activators.
- Fake game or program patches and cracks.
Deftesrg.exe Malware — Malicious Activity
Once your computer has already been infected by the deftesrg.exe miner malware, it’s malicious files may be dropped on your computer system. They may be copied in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Local%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
%LocalLow%
%Windows%
The main malicious file of the virus, named deftesrg.exe is the miner executable and it’s primary purpose is to silently connect your computer to the following miner pool for the Monero cryptocurrency:
stratum+tcp://xmr-eu1.nanopool.org:14444
After this has been done, the malware may also create a task that runs the deftesrg.exe process and it begins to overload your CPU and GPU by conducting the hashing operations in the mining pool. But instead of rewarding you for the operation, the credits are transferred to the cyber-criminal’s cryptocurrency wallet. The only negative outcome is for your computer’s components, which can result in your PC becoming unstable in terms of performance and it may even break down if the virus remains for a long time active and overusing the CPU and GPU.
In addition to mining for cryoptocurrencies, the deftesrg.exe miner malware may begin to perform other activities on your computer, among which may be the following:
- Log your keystrokes.
- Steal files.
- Take screenshots.
- Steal passwords and login ID’s.
- Obtain different private information from your web browser.
- Update itself.
- Download other malware.
How to Remove Deftesrg.exe Miner Virus from Your Computer
In order to fully be rid of this miner malware, it is advisable to firstly isolate it by making it inactive. Then, you can try following either the manual or the automatic removal instructions down below, created to help you cope with the virus based on your malware removal experience. However, it is strongly advisable by researchers to remove this malware by downloading and installing an advanced anti-malware software, whose primary purpose is to automatically detect all objects created by the deftesrg.exe miner malware (if present) and remove those objects plus detect other malware in the process to secure your PC fully.
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 Deftesrg.exe Monero 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.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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.
Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner FAQ
What Does Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner Trojan Do?
The Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner, 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner 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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner?
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 Deftesrg.exe Monero Miner threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.