This article has been created in order to help explain what is the JS:MINER [Trj] miner malware and how to detect and remove it from your computer system.
A new miner malware, detected to be spread via the web browsers of the victims, using JavaScript has been reported to be existing and spreading and multiple different virus variants. The infection is a Trojan horse, infecting via JavaScript, hence it’s detection name JS:MINER [Trj] by major antivirus companies, like AVG and Avast. In the event that your computer has experienced the JS:MINER malware infection, recommendations are to read this article in order to learn how to fully erase this malware and prevent it from mining cryptocurrencies, like BitCoin or Monero on your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | JS:MINER |
| Type | CryptoCurrency Miner |
| Short Description | Aims to mine for various cryptocurrencies on your computer system(one or more), using it’s resources. |
| Symptoms | Your computer is heavily overloaded and you may experience cooling fan noises, system performance slow-downs and interruptions. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious software, previously infected your PC, fake setups and malicious executables, disguised as legitimate ones. Macro infections are also a possibility. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss JS:MINER. |
JS:MINER Malware – How Does It Spread
A new cryptocurrency miner trojan was recently detected to mine various different types of cryptocurrencies via JavaScript. The malware has been dtected by several major antivirus companies t perofrm significatn miner activities via comrpomised software or websites.
In order to infect your computer, the malware primarily uses malicious websites. Such websites may be introduced on your computer as a result of having a Trojan horse or other type of malware or unwanted software previously infected your computer. In addition to this, the JS:MINER malware may also cause an infection by you having to click on a web link believing to be legitimate. Such web links may be concealed in malicious websites as download buttons or sent to you via e-mail, pretending to be legitimate messages with the link, disguised as a “button”, like the malicious e-mail, cleverly disguised as a legitimate Dropbox e-mail.
One of the main infection methods used to infect computers with JS:Miner:C is likely conducted via a Trojan horse, which may land on your computer as a result of a malicious e-mail attachment sent to you via e-mail, like the following.
Another particular infection source of this virus is related to a web link, according to researchers who have reported it on Avast forums.
JS:MINER Malware – Activity
Once it has infected your computer, the JS:MINER malware may come in several different variants, like:
- JS:MINER-A
- JS:MINER-B
- JS:MINER-C
- JS:MINER-D
- JS:MINER-E
- JS:MINER-F
- JS:MINER-G
- JS:MINER-H
- JS:MINER-I
Those are the variants of the malware that have so far been detected, the most prominent of which is the C version of the malware. When it infects your computer, this miner may also drop payload files directly on your computer, since it is classified as a Trojan Horse infection in general:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
After the files of the virus are already on your computer, the malware may begin to perform different activities that make it run processes as an administrator on your computer and schedule tasks for automatic execution. This may result in various different activities to occur on your computer:
- It’s CPU usage may increase significantly.
- Increase in GPU utilization.
- It may freeze.
- Significant reduction of its performance.
These are side effects of this virus connecting your computer to a so-called mining pool. Such pools often aim to combine many infected computers by the JS:MINER viruses to the same mining wallet, increasing it’s mining power and hence generating more of the designated cryptocurrency the hackers behind these viruses have created. This results in them generating more cryptocurrency tokens at a smaller time frame as they infect more and more computers in time.
In addition to mining your computer for cryptocurrencies, the JS:MINER malware may also perform other activities on it, such as:
- Take screenshots of your desktop.
- Log your keystrokes.
- Obtain information about BitCoin wallets installed on your computer.
- Steal passwords and registration ID’s.
- Steal system information.
- Steal network information.
Even though it is not known for sure, the malware may do anything to remain hidden on your computer for longer periods of time and this includes updating itself plus downloading other malware or create copies of itself that are on standby in case you delete the original miner file manually. The virus may also perform activities on your computer that may result in JS:MINER mining your computer fileless, in other words by using your web browser without any files that are dropped on your PC.
JS:MINER Virus Family – How to Detect and Remove
In order to detect a JS:MINER virus, it is important that you track the utilization of your CPU and GPU. But, since these viruses are complicated and pretend to not use a significant ammount of your computer’s resources, you should download third-party software, such as CoreTemp and GPUTemp in order to check the actual temperature and usage of your PC’s components, required for mining to take place. If you detect an elevated temperature and usage, reccomendations are to remove JS:MINER from your computer by following the removal instructions down below. They are created in order to help remove JS:MINER either manually or automatically. Furthermore, experts also strongly advise to use an advanced anti-malware software in order to remove JS:MINER, since this will make sure that not only the virus is fully removed but your computer will stay protected against future threats as well.
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 JS: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 JS:MINER with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by JS: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 JS: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 JS: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.
JS:MINER FAQ
What Does JS:MINER Trojan Do?
The JS: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 JS: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 JS: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 JS: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 JS:MINER Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this JS: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 JS: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 JS:MINER threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
Anche dopoaver formattato ho JC:Miner-AV mi pare e non riesco a toglierlo, potrebbe essere nella rete wifi?