This article aims to help you by showing you how to fully remove the HKTL_COINMINE malware from your computer and how to prevent it from mining cryptocurrencies using your system resources.
New mining malware has been detected by this infection on victims’ computers. The malware is a Trojan Horse by type and is detected as HKTL_COINMINE by TrendMicro malware researchers. The malware also aims to perform multiple different types of activities on the victims computers, including scanning for BitCoin wallets, collecting keystrokes and other malicious activities. It’s primary purpose however is to take calculating power from your ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit), located in your Central Processor in order to mine for various cryptocurrencies, such as BitCoin and Monero. The malware may also target cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and others and use the resources of your GPU for this purpose. If you computer has been infected by HTKL_COINMINE malware, we advise you to read the following article and learn how to remove it from your computer completely.
Threat Summary
| Name | HKTL_COINMINE Malware |
| Type | Crypto Miner Malware |
| Short Description | The end goal of this malware is to mine for Cryptocurrencies, using your computer’s CPU and GPU resources. |
| Symptoms | Having this malware on your PC, results in elevated CPU and GPU usage by it’s malicious process. If it remains on your computer for longer periods of time, the virus may even break your computer’s components. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HKTL_COINMINE Malware. |
HKTL_COINMINE Trojan – How Did I Get Infected?
The distribution process of the malicious file, causing the infection of HKTL_COINMINE trojan has been reported to be caused primarily via the file itself arriving on your system if your PC has previously been infected with other malware or if you have downloaded a file unknowingly by visiting malicious websites.
Such websites, may usually be torrent sites or other fake software providing websites, that may trick you into downloading the malicious file, believing it is a legitimate one. Such can be:
- Fake setups of files.
- Key generators.
- Game patches.
- Software license activators.
- Game cracks.
The files may also be uploaded on torrent websites that have poor security and do not check the torrents that are uploaded on them. There have even been cases of the hackers being able to hack into a secure account of reputable torrent uploaders and upload the malware through them as a fake program installer to get more downloads.
Besides these methods, other methods of infection, related to HKTL_COINMINE Trojan may also exist. The virus may be sent to you via e-mail as an attachment, pretending to be a:
- Report of suspicious activity in your PayPal account.
- Receipt.
- Invoice.
- Banking statement.
To increase trustworthiness in the e-mails, the cyber-criminals may also include convincing messages within the e-mails, like the following example:
HKTL_COINMINE Miner Trojan – Malicious Activity
As soon as you open the malicious file of the HKTL_COINMINE Trojan, the infection takes place silently, wihtout you noticing it. This is due to the fact that the malware may use obfuscation software which conceals it’s infection from any real-time protection definitions by antivirus programs. As soon as an infection takes place, the malware may drop a malicious executable program on one of the following Windows directories:
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
After the files are dropped, the HKTL_COINMINE malware executes the malicious fiel responsible for the mining process. Besides obtaining permissions as an administrator, this malicious file begins to directly tap into the GPU and CPU and use them to mine a given cryptocurrency. This may result in the process overheating the temperature of your CPU and GPU by setting them to work heavily. You can check for that if you download software, such as CoreTemp(https://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/) and cross reference the temperature it shows you with the average temperature of your CPU. This is done with the sole purpose to mine for a cryptocurrency at the expense of your system resources and send the mined hashes to the crypto wallet of the cyber-criminal behind this threat.
In addition to this, since it is a Trojan Horse type of threat, this virus may also perform other activities on the infected computer, such as, collect different information from it:
- Your passwords.
- Your financial information.
- Your system information.
- Your unsecured connection ports.
In addition to collecting data on your PC, the HKTL_COINMINE virus may also perform other malicious activities on your computer:
- Update it’s obfuscation to remain undetected for longer periods on your computer systems.
- Install other crypto mining Trojans.
How to Detect and Remove HKTL_COINMINE Miner Trojan
In order to remove the HKTL_COINMINE miner malware from your computer system, we strongly advise you to focus on removing the malicious files of this malware by following the removal instructions below. They are created to help you get rid of this miner malware by firstly isolating it and then removing it either manually or automatically from your PC. For maximum effectiveness malware researchers strongly advise victims to remove this malware automatically using an advanced anti-malware software.
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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Step 1: Scan for HKTL_COINMINE Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall HKTL_COINMINE Malware and related malware from Windows
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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by HKTL_COINMINE Malware 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 HKTL_COINMINE Malware 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.
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove HKTL_COINMINE Malware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by HKTL_COINMINE Malware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and HKTL_COINMINE Malware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
HKTL_COINMINE Malware-FAQ
What is HKTL_COINMINE Malware Ransomware?
HKTL_COINMINE Malware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does HKTL_COINMINE Malware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does HKTL_COINMINE Malware Infect?
Via several ways.HKTL_COINMINE Malware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of HKTL_COINMINE Malware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .HKTL_COINMINE Malware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .HKTL_COINMINE Malware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .HKTL_COINMINE Malware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".HKTL_COINMINE Malware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .HKTL_COINMINE Malware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of HKTL_COINMINE Malware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate HKTL_COINMINE Malware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .HKTL_COINMINE Malware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can HKTL_COINMINE Malware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the HKTL_COINMINE Malware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HKTL_COINMINE Malware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the HKTL_COINMINE Malware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
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